Asia Cup: Not enough runs on board, says Shakib Al Hasan on Bangladesh’s poor show

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan admitted they could not put enough runs on the board after their five-wicket loss against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele on Thursday in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. After electing to bat first, Bangladesh was bundled out for a meager score of 164 runs in 42.4 overs.

The Tigers got off to a horrid start, losing three early wickets of Mohammad Naim, Tanzid Hasan and captain Shakib Al Hasan to find themselves tottering at 36-3. Subsequently, Towhid Hridoy and Najmul Hossain Shanto added 59 runs for the fourth wicket but Bangladesh kept losing wickets at regular intervals after that partnership.

Shanto top-scored with 89 runs but he was the lone warrior as the other batters failed to contribute.

On the other hand, Matheesha Pathirana delivered for Sri Lanka as the youngster returned with impressive figures of 4-32, his best so far in his young ODI career.

Furthermore, Maheesh Theekshana scalped two wickets for the home team. Meanwhile, Sadeera Samarawickrama scored a fine knock of 54 runs whereas Charith Asalanka contributed with an unbeaten 62 to take Sri Lanka over the line in the run-chase of 165.

Shakib Al Hasan admitted it was not a 300-run wicket but they should have scored 220-230 in order to be competitive.

“Yes, it was not a 300 wicket, but we needed 220-230 runs to make a game,” Shakib was quoted as saying in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Hasan admitted it was not a good batting effort from his team and they will need to turn the tables against Afghanistan.

“Yes, more responsibility, I couldn’t do it, but as a batting effort we didn’t do well. We have a big game coming up,” he stated.

In fact, Sri Lanka was also reduced to 43-3 by Bangladesh but the visitors failed to maintain the pressure.

“When they were 3 down for 43, we knew we needed a couple of more wickets, but unfortunately we didn’t get that. Bowlers and spinners have been doing their bit for a long time now, just not enough runs on the board.”

“There were a lot of nerves when we started the game but as we kept on batting, in the 20th over, we felt a lot more comfortable. This is the first time playing Asia Cup and in away conditions,” he added.

Bangladesh will next take on Afghanistan at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Sunday.