Cricket
World Cup 2023: Bangladesh will love to finish 5-6 if not in semis, says captain Shakib after 4th straight loss
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Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan said they lost the match in the final 10 overs when the South African duo of Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen went on a rampage, adding 144 runs at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.
World Cup 2023, SA vs BAN: Highlights | Report
Quinton de Kock notched his third century in just five innings, propelling South Africa to a commanding 149-run victory over Bangladesh in the World Cup on Tuesday. The South African team, on a dominant streak, posted an imposing total of 382/5, marking the third-highest score in the tournament (the first two spots were also held by the Proteas). They then swiftly dismantled Bangladesh’s underwhelming batting performance, sending them back to the pavilion with a total of 233 runs after 46.4 overs.
“We bowled 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 told the broadcasters after Bangladesh lost.
Mahmudullah Riyad displayed remarkable courage by scoring 111 runs from 111 balls, achieving his fourth century in 225 ODIs and his first in six years. Unfortunately, the rest of the Bangladesh batting lineup struggled on a pitch that still favored batsmen. This defeat marked Bangladesh’s fourth consecutive loss in the World Cup, while South Africa continued their impressive form with four wins out of five games. Furthermore, this loss was one of Bangladesh’s heaviest in terms of runs in World Cup history, marking their third-largest margin of defeat.
However, the veteran all-rounder did not lose hope of his team finishing strongly in this World Cup. Shakib said that he would be happy if Bangladesh managed to finish fifth or sixth if not in the semi-final.
“Has been 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. Lot to be learnt, and 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 added.
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