Bangladesh cricket team opened their campaign in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 on a bad note at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, August 31 as they suffered a loss against Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka cricket team. After the match, the captain of the Bangladesh cricket team captain Shakib Al Hasan expressed his disappointment over the poor batting performance of his team.
Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bat first, however, the decision didn’t go in the favor of the side as they were bundled out for 164 runs. Najmul Hossain Shanto was the only Bangladesh batter who looked settled in the middle, while the rest of the team was seen struggling against the Sri Lankan bowlers. Shanto played a brilliant knock of 89 runs off 122 balls, smashing 7 fours. The second-highest run-getter after Shanto for the side was Towhid Hridoy, who scored just 20 runs.
Defending the total runs, the Bangladesh bowlers dismissed Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, and Kusal Mendis early and left the home side reeling at 3-43. However, Sadeera Samarawickrama (54) joined hands with Charith Asalanka (62*) and together they formed a brilliant partnership of 78 runs to shift back the momentum towards their side. Skipper Dasun Shanaka gave a perfect finish to the game and guided Sri Lanka to a 5-wicket win in the 39th over.
Shakib Al Hasan Blamed The Batters After Loss Against Bangladesh
Later, during the post-match presentation ceremony, Shakib Al Hasan said that a score of around 220-230 would have given them a chance to win the game. He 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 further expressed his disappointment with the bowling performance as he felt that his bowlers could have picked a few more wickets after dismissing three batters early on in the innings. Shakib said:
“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.”
