BAN vs SL: "Didn't Bat Well As A Unit" - Shakib Al Hasan Disappointed With Batting Performance After Loss vs Sri Lanka

Bangladesh National Cricket Team captain Shakib Al Hasan expressed disappointment over the batting performance of his side after the loss in their Asia Cup 2023 opening clash against Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka National Cricket Team.

The match between the two sides was hosted by the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, August 31. Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first, the decision didn’t favor the side at all as they were bundled out for 164 runs.

Najmul Hossain Shanto was the only Bangladesh batter who looked settled in the middle and the rest of the batters struggled against the weakened Sri Lankan attack. Shanto scored a solid 89 runs off 122 balls, including 7 fours, and the second-highest run-getter for the side was Towhid Hridoy, who scored just 20 runs.

Defending the total, Bangladesh bowlers dismissed Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, and Kusal Mendis early and left the home side tottering at 3-43.

However, Sadeera Samarawickrama (54) joined forces with Charith Asalanka (62*) and together they added 78 runs to shift back the momentum towards their side. In the end, Asalanka alongside skipper Dasun Shanaka guided Sri Lanka to a 5-wicket win in the 39th over.

It wasn’t a 300 wicket, 220-230 would’ve given us more chance – Shakib Al Hasan

During the post-match presentation ceremony, Shakib Al Hasan said that a score of around 220-230 would have given them a chance to earn the victory. Shakib Al Hasan said:

“It wasn’t a 300 wicket. 220-230 would’ve given us more chance. Didn’t bat well as a unit. Have to regroup, have another important game in a couple of days.”

Shakib Al Hasan was also disappointed with the bowling performance as he felt that his bowlers could have dismissed a few more batters after picking up three wickets early on in the innings. Shakib Al Hasan elaborated:

“Needed couple more wickets when they were 3 down for 30. We picked up wickets but didn’t have enough on the board. There were a lot of nerves when we started the game. Lot of guys playing Asia Cup for first time. They’ve been playing good cricket that’s why they’re in dressing room.”