Published on 11:18 PM, September 06, 2023

We played ordinary shots, admits Shakib

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan plays a shot during their Asia Cup Super 4 match against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on September 6, 2023. Photo: AFP

Skipper Shakib Al Hasan rued the poor shot-selection of the batters after yet another batting failure led Bangladesh to a comprehensive seven-wicket defeat against Pakistan in their first Super Four fixture at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday.

Bangladesh were bundled out for just 193 runs with 68 balls to spare, with the majority of the batters throwing their wickets away and showing a lack of game awareness after electing to bat on a batting-friendly Gaddafi wicket.

"We played some ordinary shorts as we lost early wickets in the first 10 overs but that happens," Shakib said at the post-match presentation.

"But we had a very good partnership and I think we should have kept on going probably for another seven-eight overs, we could have built a platform from where we could launch. But that never happened; as soon as I got out, there was no more partnership," Shakib said in his candid admission.

"All in all, I think it was a very poor batting display on a surface like this and I think we have to take it on our chin and move on to the next one because in a couple of days' time, we have another important game," the all-rounder added.

Bangladesh lost wickets up front, with Mehedi Hasan Miraz, the centurion from the previous game against Afghanistan, departing for a golden duck with a soft dismissal.

Liton Das, playing in his first game of the tournament, looked promising until he poked at an away delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi for 16 while Naim Sheikh and Towhid Hridoy fell victim to the extra pace of Haris Rauf. The Tigers were struggling at that stage with 47 for four inside the Powerplay.

Bangladesh came back well with a hundred-run fifth-wicket stand between Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim and it seemed that the Tigers would go on to post a formidable total.

But after Shakib was caught for 53 off 57 deliveries off Faheem Ashraf, Mushfiqur soon departed for 64 in an irresponsible manner while trying to charge against Rauf.

It was the second time in three games that Bangladesh were bowled out below 200 as they were bowled out for 164 in their first group game against Sri Lanka.

"We have been doing well in our bowling department, but batting at this moment is a bit of hot and cold. Some day it's coming of, someday it's not. We need to be consistent and that's what we will look to do," promised Shakib.