Following his side’s loss to Pakistan in their ICC Cricket World Cup match, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan admitted that the team is looking for answers for their disappointing campaign but is struggling to find answers. He added that some thought needs to be given to his batting position. Riding on Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique’s half-century and brilliant bowling, Pakistan registered a 7-wicket win over Bangladesh in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday.
With this brilliant win, Pakistan broke its four-match losing streak in the ongoing tournament and moved to 5th place in the points table with 6 points. Meanwhile, the ODI World Cup semi-final dream remained unfulfilled for Bangladesh, who suffered their sixth defeat.
“Not enough runs. The wicket was really good. We lost early wickets. We had partnerships but not big ones that would allow us to go big in the last ten. We should have bowled better too. Pakistan did well in the first ten overs, for them too. We have to think about my batting order. I was batting early, didn’t score any runs. My confidence was also low. At this stage it seems difficult to change too many things. We are trying to force things, but it’s not working. Right now we have to act together, which isn’t happening. We’re looking for answers, but we’re not getting them. Everywhere we go, fans come to the ground and are always behind us. They are our greatest strength Shakib said in a post-match presentation.
Shakib has managed just 104 runs in six innings at an average of 17.33 in this tournament, with two scores over 40.
In the match, Bangladesh opted to bat first. Knocks from Mahmudullah (56 in 70 balls, with six fours and a six), Litton Das (45 in 64 balls, with six fours) and skipper Shakib al Hasan (43 in 64 balls, with four boundaries) came in handy as Bangladesh bundled for 204 in 45.1 overs.
Shaheen Afridi (23/3), Mohammed Waseem Jr (31/3) and Haris Rauf (3/36) also produced solid spells with the ball. Iftikhar Ahmed and Usama Mir also got one wicket.
Chasing 205, a returning Fakhar Zaman (81 in 74 balls, with three fours and seven sixes) and Abdullah Shafique (68 in 69 balls, nine fours and two sixes) smashed fifties, taking Pakistan to a much-needed cruise. seven-wicket victory.
Fakhar received the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his knock.
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