Don't think I have played a pressure match like this before: Najmul Hossain Shanto

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka played out a terrific match in Dallas, in which the former eventually prevailed by two wickets. This was Sri Lanka’s second loss to Bangladesh in two consecutive World Cup matches – as the Tigers secured the bragging rights in what has already been one of the fiercest rivalries in world cricket at the moment. 

Despite having a target of just 125 runs to chase down, it was anything but easy for Bangladesh. Thanks to a fierce spell from Nuwan Thushara, Bangladesh kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and eventually chased down the total with only two wickets to spare. Hence, naturally, Najmul Hossain Shanto, who was leading Bangladesh for the first time in a global event, felt the pressure. 

“You can say that,” Shanto said when asked if it was the most tense cricket match he had ever played. “I felt the same. We all knew even two days prior to the game. Personally, I don't think I have played a pressure match like this before. But, by the grace of God, at the end of the day, we could win the game.

“We all knew how important this match was for us. But I think we didn't get a good start in bowling. But the way everyone was calm, the way we made decisions in the middle-over, especially the bowlers and fielders, they all showed a lot of good character. 

“But we all know that the batting wasn't good. But this will happen on this kind of wicket and in this kind of pressure match. Because it was a very important match for them too. They have tried a lot. But as I said, we got two points at the end of the day. That's why I am feeling good.”

With this win, Bangladesh, in a way, have already made their cut into the Super Eight - unless and until a miracle stops them from progressing. They will still have to win at least two more matches, so Shanto doesn’t want to slack off even a bit now.

“This win was important but the next three matches are also very important. The next match we have against South Africa, we will have to come back with a new strategy for that match, and as I said, there is no other way to play good cricket. Especially if the batsmen can contribute, then we will have something good in the next match too,” the Bangladesh skipper added.

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