‘Very tough to make a comeback in a low-scoring match’: Mehidy Hasan after Bangladesh’s loss to Pakistan in 2023 ODI WC | Cricket News

Shakib Al Hasan reacts as the umpire signals a six hit by Abdullah Shafique during the World Cup game between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Kolkata. (Photo: AP)

New Delhi: A clinical Pakistan beat Bangladesh in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 match by seven wickets at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday. With the win, the Men in Green kept their slim hopes of reaching the final four stage alive with the resounding victory in Kolkata. The Shakib-Al-Hasan-led side lost their sixth straight game in the mega event and were officially knocked out after the loss to Pakistan.

Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz was left disappointed after the loss and stated that the team needed a little bit of luck.

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A total of 250 would have been a good score: Mehidy

After choosing to bat first, Bangladesh had a poor start to their innings having been reduced to 23/3. In-form all-rounder Mahmudullah and wicket-keeper batter Litton Das steadied the innings putting up a 79-run stand for the fourth wicket before Litton was sent back to the pavilion by spinner Iftikhar Ahmed after scoring 45 in 64 balls.

Mahmudullah top-scored for Bangladesh making 56 in 70 balls but was not enough for his side to post a big total after being castled by Shaheen Shah Afridi. Skipper Shakib (43) and Mehidy (25) put up a 45-run partnership later in the innings hoping to take their side to a total of around 250 but failed to do so.

Wickets fell in quick succession and Bangladesh were bundled out for 204 in 45.1 overs. The Babar Azam-led side left no stone unturned and chased the target in 32.3 overs riding on knocks from openers Abdullah Shafique (68) and Fakhar Zaman (81).

Mehidy felt that a total of 250 would have been a competitive total for their counterparts. “It was not an easy wicket to bat on. A total of 250 would have been a good score on this wicket. But they (Pakistan) played with freedom and had a partnership with such a small target. It’s very tough to make a comeback in a low-scoring match,” said Mehidy.

Also Read: It’s not over for Pakistan yet, says skipper Babar Azam after Bangladesh rout

The remaining games for Bangladesh against Australia and Sri Lanka will be a dead rubber but the side hopes to end their tournament on a high.

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