NEWS
Follow UsBangladesh managed just 140 against Australia in their first Super 8s game in Antigua after being put in. Bangladesh lost Tanzid Hasan off the third delivery of the game, but skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (41) and Litton Das (16) put on 58 for the second wicket to bring their side back into the contest.
Shanto was in the middle of his best innings in the T20 World Cup, and the platform was set for him to turn this into a big one. However, he was trapped in front by Adam Zampa, after which Bangladesh never really recovered. Shanto believes he should have batted a little deeper for Bangladesh to get to 160-170.
"It was our plan to finish the sixth over keeping wickets in hand, which I think we were able to finish according to our plan. It could have been a little better but we were happy, " Shanto said at the post-match press conference.
"I think, my wicket, at the time I got out, if I was not out and I could have played a little more till 16-17th over, then we could have scored close to 160-170. I would also say that the wicket was a little slow in the beginning. It was not like the ball was not coming to the bat, but as I said, it was important to have a set batsman."
Shanto believes using a heap of wickets in the end also prevented Bangladesh from getting to a competitive total.
"I think as a player, we had to adjust to every wicket, and the wicket looked very good but we couldn't execute with that new ball, especially in the powerplay, and we couldn't finish the last 5-6 overs, so we lost too many wickets so if it ended well, we could have scored a proper 160 or 170," the Bangladesh skipper said.
"I think condition is very big difference because last match there was a lot of spin and also seam but today looks flat wicket a very good wicket to bat and I think we didn't bat well so I think that is the big difference."
The next two matches - against India and Afghanistan - become crucial for Bangladesh, especially after going down to Australia in the first game. Shanto says he cannot put a finger on why the batters have not been able to perform in the tournament despite giving them all the freedom.
"The next two matches are important. There is a lot to gain from the next two matches. If we can win the next two matches, we will be in a better condition. We will play to win every match and we play to win every match," Shanto said.
"And what you said about freedom, it is said to everyone that they should play with freedom. But they are trying to play according to their own plans. Why is it not happening? As I said earlier, I don't know this personally. But if we play like this, then it's difficult for the bowlers to defend it."
Bangladesh will be up against an undefeated Indian side next on June 22 (Saturday) in Antigua.
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