Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has slammed the Bangladesh Tigers for their lack of “fighting spirit” after their heavy 50-run defeat to India effectively ended their dream of winning the T20 World Cup.
Saturday’s heavy defeat was Bangladesh’s second in the Super Eights after their opening defeat to Australia.
“We always thought we were here to do something good and we intend to achieve that,” said former captain Shakib, who played in his 128th T20 international match.
“But looking at the results and our performance on the ground, we didn’t really show that, which is disappointing.”
Bangladesh were aiming for 197 to win but ended up at 146 for 8 after 20 overs against India, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scoring with 40.
Bangladesh have struggled to score runs throughout the tournament, with Tawhid Hridoi being their top rung scorer with a modest 139 in six innings.
Shakib made an unbeaten 64 in the first round win against the Netherlands and was the only player to make a fifty.
“I don’t know how long it will take,” the 37-year-old Shakib said when asked how long it will take for Bangladesh to win the world title.
“When we played against the two big teams who were probably the favourites for the World Cup, the difference between us and them was so clear.
“So it’s unfortunate that there’s still such a big disparity.”
Shakib made his international debut in 2006 and has played 67 Test matches and 247 one-day matches. He has scored over 19,500 runs and taken over 700 wickets.
However, he will not take any hasty decision on whether to end his Bangladesh career.
“If I feel the team needs me and I feel the team needs me and I feel called to do so, then it’s a matter of playing for the team,” he said.
“Otherwise, of course, if I’m not having fun I won’t play. When the time comes, everyone will know.”
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