Shakib blasts Bangladesh’s lack of ‘fight’

NORTH SOUND:

Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan hit out at the Tigers’ lack of “fight” after a 50-run rout by India effectively ended their T20 World Cup dreams.

Saturday’s mauling was Bangladesh’s second defeat in the Super Eights after an opening loss to Australia.

“We were always thinking that we came to do something good and we will do it,” said former skipper Shakib who was playing in his 128th T20 international.

“But if you look at the result or the performance on the ground, actually we couldn’t show any fight in that way. It’s disappointing.”

Chasing 197 to win, Bangladesh stumbled to 146-8 in their 20 overs against India with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto top scoring with 40.

Making runs has been a problem for Bangladesh throughout the tournament with Towhid Hridoy their top run-getter with a modest 139 across six innings.

Shakib was the only player to make a 50 when he hit an undefeated 64 in the first round victory against the Netherlands.

“I don’t know how long it will take,” said the 37-year-old Shakib when asked to put a timeframe on Bangladesh winning a world title.

“When we played with two big teams, who were maybe the closest contenders for the World Cup, our gap with them was clearly visible.

“So, it is disappointing to me that we still have such huge gaps.”

Shakib made his international debut in 2006 and has also played in 67 Tests and 247 one-dayers. He has amassed more than 19,500 runs and taken over 700 wickets.

However, he will not make any hasty decisions on whether he will call time on his Bangladesh career.

“If the team think that they need me, and if I think that I need the team and I am feeling desired in that way then it is a matter of playing for the team,” he said.

“Otherwise, if I am not enjoying then of course, I will not play. When it’s time everyone will come to know about it.”

Kuldeep show

Leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav took three key wickets while Hardik Pandya blasted an undefeated half-century as India moved to the brink of the T20 World Cup semi-finals with a 50-run rout of Bangladesh on Saturday.

Chasing 197 for victory, Bangladesh lost three of their top five batsmen to Kuldeep who removed Tanzid Hasan (29), Towhid Hridoy (four) and Shakib Al Hasan (11).

Kuldeep finished with an impressive 3-19 from his four overs.

India now have two wins from two Super Eight games and will be guaranteed a semi-final spot if Australia defeat Afghanistan later Saturday and also make the last four from Group 1.

Pandya, who had made 50 when India batted, started the slide when he took the first Bangladesh wicket, tempting opener Liton Das (13) to sky a chance.

Once skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto fell to Jasprit Bumrah for a 32-ball 40, Bangladesh’s hopes went with him.

Bumrah also ended Rishad Hossain’s brief 24-run cameo as the veteran seamer enjoyed figures of 2-13 in four overs before the Tigers finished their 20 overs on 146-8.

“Our top score was 50, and we still got 196,” said India captain Rohit Sharma.

“In T20 you don’t need fifties and hundreds, what matters is the pressure you put on the bowlers. That’s how we want to play.”

He added: “Hardik batting well, the way he did today, puts us in a very good place. We all know what he can do, and today was the perfect example of that. He’s a very important player for us, with bat and ball.” AFP