Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan sounded confident that his team will try to recover soon in the competition after they lost to South Africa by 149 runs and dropped to the bottom of the standings with just two points from five games.
At the Wankhede Stadium, Quinton de Kock scored his 20th ODI century and some ferocious late hitting from Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller helped South Africa reach a mammoth first-innings total of 382 -5 at the end of 50 overs. With a record chase on the cards, Shakib Al Hasan’s led side was no match to the Proteas’ bowling attack with Mahmudullah being the lone bright spot in the batting.
Speaking to the broadcasters after the game, Shakib Al Hasan feels that they bowled really well in the initial part of the innings before Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen took the game away from them in the death overs and admitted that they should have bowled a lot better to the Proteas batters at the end.
“We bowled the first 25 overs well. We got three wickets, they were going at about 5 an over. From there they kicked on. Quinton batted really well, and the way Klaasen finished was something we didn’t have any answer to. On a ground like this, it can happen but we should’ve bowled better. Lost the game in the last 10 overs,” Shakib Al Hasan said.
South Africa easily defeated Bangladesh to maintain their lead in the 2023 World Cup. With eight points from five games, they are presently in second place in the standings. Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller all contributed to the game’s devastation since Bangladesh’s bowlers were unable to counteract the South African hitters’ heroics.
Will Love To Finish 5-6 If Not In The Semis – Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan admitted that they were talking about sending Mushfiqur Rahim And Mahmudullah to bat at the top of the order and wants the top four to bat well in the forthcoming games. The Bangladesh skipper added that the team still has a lot of tournaments left to play and would like to finish in the top five or six spots if they were unable to advance to the semifinals.
“There has been a lot of talking about whether Mushfiq and Mahmudullah should bat higher. But the role they have, they’re doing very well. Our top four batters need to do well. Long way to go in this tournament, anything can happen. A lot to be learned, and a lot to play for. Will love to finish 5-6 if not in the semis. We’re not playing like a team that can do it, but hope to finish stronger,” Shakib Al Hasan added.
Mahmudullah gave a valiant effort in the game despite his team losing to South Africa. In an innings where Bangladesh lost 10 wickets for 233 runs, the 37-year-old struck 111 runs off 111 balls and ultimately they suffered a 149-run defeat in the game.
