PAK vs BAN: "Very Poor Batting Display" - Shakib Al Hasan Fumes At Batters After Loss To Pakistan

Shakib Al Hasan-led Bangladesh National Cricket Team lost to Babar Azam-led Pakistan National Cricket Team by 7 wickets with 63 balls remaining in the first match of the Super 4 stage of Asia Cup 2023 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Wednesday, September 6.

Winning the toss and batting first, Bangladesh failed to capitalize and posted a poor total of 193 on the board. On a pitch that seemed good for batting, all batters, barring Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, struggled to get going. The two veterans – Shakib and Mushfiqur – fought quite well and helped their side reach a respectable score.

However, the target was an easy one to chase for the Men In Green, and riding on the half-centuries from Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan they clinched the win in the 39.3 overs.

Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, Shakib Al Hasan expressed disappointment over the performance of his batters. He elaborated:

“We lost at the start, they bowled really well and we played some ordinary shots. On a wicket like this, we shouldn’t have lost four wickets in 10 overs. We had a very good partnership, we should have got going for 7-8 overs. After I got out, there were no more partnerships. Very poor batting display on a surface like this. We have to take it on our chin and move to the next one as we have another game in a couple of days.”

Pakistan are the number one team, they’ve got three world-class frontline bowlers – Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan further said that Pakistan are No.1 team in the ICC ODI Rankings and when their world-class frontline pacers perform well the job gets easier for them. He said:

“They (Pakistan) are the number one team, they’ve got three world-class frontline bowlers. If they can do that, it gets easier for their batsmen.” 

Shakib Al Hasan showered praise on his bowling unit. He said that the bowlers have been doing a fine job on a consistent basis, unlike batters who have been hot and cold. Shakib Al Hasan said:

“We have been doing well in our bowling department. Batting at this moment is little bit hot and cold. We need to be consistent and that’s what we’ll try to do. Our three seamers bowled brilliantly. They have been bowling well for the last couple of years. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the wickets. It wasn’t a pitch where you can get wickets unless batsmen make a mistake. When I played the LPL, the pitches were slow. If that happens, it suit us better. Hopefully we do well in Colombo.”