'We are short of runs as a batting unit' - Shakib Al Hasan after loss to India

Veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan expressed his disappointment following Bangladesh’s 50-run defeat to India, which left the Tigers teetering on the edge of elimination from the T20 World Cup 2024. Reflecting on the match, Shakib lamented the lack of confidence and effort shown by the team.

Bangladesh faced a strong Indian side on Saturday. India, powered by Hardik Pandya’s unbeaten half-century, posted an imposing total of 196/5. In reply, Bangladesh struggled and could only manage 146/8, falling short by 50 runs.

"We are short of runs as a batting unit. We made 140 in the last game, 146 today. We should have done better today since we had a target in front of us. We couldn't even show it to people that we were trying [to chase the target] today. I don't think the confidence was there. We have lacked in this area throughout the World Cup," Shakib told reporters.

Bangladesh entered the World Cup after a series loss to the USA but performed well initially, securing wins against the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. However, a narrow loss to South Africa hinted at the struggles to come. 

You have to bring your A-game against teams like Australia and India: Shakib

Shakib, 37, highlighted the team's inconsistency, noting their failure to maintain basic performance to create pressure. He mentioned that while they are capable of scoring 175-180 runs, they have struggled to perform as a batting unit. He emphasised the need to bring their best game against strong teams like Australia and India, pointing out a lack of skill and strength in their recent performances.

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"You have to bring your A-game against teams like Australia and India. I think we lacked in skill and strength. We couldn't do the basics for longer periods to create pressure. Throughout this World Cup, I don't think we justified ourselves as a batting unit. We are capable of scoring big runs. We were well short of par scores like 175-185 in the last two games, both played on good wickets," he added.

Despite their efforts, Bangladesh's chances of making it to the semi-finals now look slim, with one last Super 8 game against Afghanistan left.