The hosts losing the game to Afghanistan by 32 runs in the Asia Cup yesterday meant a nightmare coming true for Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim. The wicketkeeper-batsman during the Sri Lanka series last month told the media that they would lose against the Afghans if the atmpshere both off-field and on-field don’t change.
Mushfiqur after being reminded of his statement in the post match press conference at Fatullah’s Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium yesterday said, “I think those who are not performing amongst us should be replaced and make way for those who are performing. We have a very good selection panel to look after the matter in case of necessary.
“I said this before and I am saying this again, I think we should start feeling for the team more. We didn’t have a good time in last one month and if you see I also couldn’t perform well except for the last game [against India],” said the 25-year-old.
Mushfiqur blamed the fall of four wickets in a span of five overs for the failure in the chase.
“We never panicked but were uneasy with 254 runs on the board to be honest. We could have stopped them within 200 if it were not for those two drop catches. The wicket was never extreme for batting and the target was chase able. Only thing we needed was to stay in the middle for long but we failed,” said Mushfiqur.
Mushfiqur informed that the defeat is unique and he doesn’t remember of any other embarrassing defeat in his eight years with the national team.
“After the series of defeats against Sri Lanka we targeted this game as our platform to bounce back. But we lost control of the game and it was unfortunate. Afghanistan deserves credit for the way they batted in the last 10 overs and also for the way they bowled but at the same time we also made mistakes – lost catches, leaked around 20 more runs. We should have been more careful,” he said.
Meanwhile for Afghanistan they have already accomplished their target in the tournament by bagging the ‘historical win’ as no other associate member side has ever defeated a Test playing nation – a very good reason for the side to celebrate in the dressing with traditional dance.
“Bangladesh were the most weak opponent for us so we targeted them and thank to the Almighty that we have achieved our target,” said man of the match for Asghar Stanikzai to the media.
“We came into the Asia Cup to prove to the world of our existence in cricket by beating at least one side. This was our first win in the four matches that we have played against Test playing nation. The win is huge for us as it will have a big impact and bring happiness back home,” said Stanikzai.
His 164-run stand with Samiullah Shenwari was the turning point in the game as the duo added 107 runs off the last ten over to allow them a breathing space.
“My main job was to play as long as possible and make batsmen around me play. I had to focus a lot today as we were not in a good position when I went to bat,” said the 26-year-old from Kabul.