'Should have had 15-20 runs more'

A lack of firepower in the latter stages of Bangladesh's innings coupled with dropped catches in crucial situations and a magnificent unbeaten century from Shai Hope snatched a four-wicket win for the West Indies in the second ODI in Mirpur yesterday, levelling the three-match series 1-1.

Despite fifties from three of Bangladesh's Big Five -- Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan -- the home side were unable to cash in on their opportunities, adding just 26 runs over the final five overs to post a modest total of 255 for seven.

According to Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, the Tigers were 15-20 runs short with the bat. He also pointed to dropped catches as another reason behind yesterday's loss.

"I think we should have scored 15-20 runs more with the bat, especially when Tamim and Shakib were batting it looked we would be able to score around 300 runs. And when Mahmudullah and Shakib were at the crease it was around 41st over and if they were able to bat another 5-6 overs we could have posted around 280 which would have been better," Mashrafe said at the post-match press briefing.

"The two dropped catches of Keemo Paul were crucial. If he was dismissed it would have been tough for Kemar Roach to rotate the strike with Hope."

Despite all the mistakes, Bangladesh did manage to take the game down to the wire with the visitors at one stage requiring 32 runs from the last three overs. However, Rubel Hossain conceded ten and Mustafizur Rahman, despite giving away just three runs from his previous over, went for sixteen in the 49th, which changed the course of the game.

"I think after conceding the six, Rubel managed to come back well and created two chances. It was a win-win situation and if the catch was taken it could have changed the momentum for the bowler. Mustafizur also bowled well but it can happen as there was a set batsman at the crease and everything went in their favour," he said.

There were talks about whether it was Mashrafe's last international game in Mirpur as the 35-year-old has already hinted that he would call it off after the World Cup in England next year. Mashrafe however gave his supporters some sort of hope by saying it may or may not have been his last game in Mirpur.

On the other hand, after his first two hundreds ended up in ties for the West Indies, Hope this time ensured his third century would be for a winning cause, remaining unbeaten on 146 off 144 balls and guiding his side over the line.