Shakib Al Hasan admitted that Bangladesh were way short of par with the bat in their Asia Cup 2023 match on Thursday, August 31 at the Pallekele International Stadium.
After opting to bat first, the Tigers were bowled out for 164 in 42.4 overs. Barring Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored 89 runs, none of their batters put up a fight. Sri Lanka chased down the target in 39 overs and secured a comprehensive five-wicket win.
“Yes, it was not a 300 wicket, but we needed 220-230 runs to make a game,” Shakib was quoted as saying in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Shakib also reckoned that he should have taken more responsibility with the bat in the absence of Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das, who were both ruled out of the tournament. The Bangladesh skipper scored five runs before Matheesha Pathirana accounted for his wicket.
“Yes, more responsibility, I couldn’t do it, but as a batting effort we didn’t do well. We have a big game coming up,” he stated.
Bangladesh could only manage 164 in the 1st innings but this man played a blinder – scoring 89 crucial runs in tough batting conditions! ð
How impressed were you with Shanto’s performance today? ð #AsiaCup2023 #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/ICSjBkue0m
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) August 31, 2023
Defending 164, Bangladesh reduced Sri Lanka to 43 for three, but failed to maintain the pressure. Shakib also lauded the bowlers for showing a lot of consistency.
“When they were 30 down for 3, we knew we needed a couple of more wickets, but unfortunately we didn’t get that. Bowlers and spinners have been doing their bit for a long time now, just not enough runs on the board.”
“There were a lot of nerves when we started the game but as we kept on batting, in the 20th over, we felt a lot more comfortable. This is the first time playing Asia Cup and in away conditions,” he added.
Bangladesh are next scheduled to face Afghanistan in their must-win group match on Sunday, September 3 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Edited By:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published On:
Aug 31, 2023
