NEW DELHI: Bangladesh had a horrific start to their Asia Cup campaign as they were outperformed by hosts Sri Lanka on Thursday at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh suffered a five-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in their opening game.
Reflecting on the defeat, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan said that they failed to put up a decent total even though the pitch was not a batting paradise. After opting to bat first, Bangladesh were bowled out for just 164 in the 43rd over. And Sri Lanka chased down the target in 39 overs with five wickets in hand.
"Yes, it was not a 300-run wicket, but we needed 220-230 runs to make a game," Shakib said at the post-match presentation.
"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," the left-handed batter said about the batting responsibility on him in the absence of experienced batters like Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das.
Shakib praised their bowlers, and added that the batters did not put up enough runs for them to defend.
"When they were 30 down for 3, 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," Shakib said.
Shakib agreed that his team was a bit nervous at the beginning of the contest.
"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 the Asia Cup and in away conditions," he added.
Bangladesh will next face Afghanistan on Sunday.
