Mortaza frustrated by Bangladesh capitulation
Captain says Tigers didn’t perform in batting, bowling or fielding against Sri Lanka Tillakaratne Dilshan an unsmashed beaten 161 off 146 balls and Kumar Sangakkara marked his 400th one-dayer with a century (105 not out).
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza described the 92-run defeat against Sri Lanka yesterday as “frustrating”, saying his team was not up to the mark in batting, bowling or fielding.
“It is obvious we did not play well today,” said Mortaza. “We need to work hard if we are to do well in the tournament because we have to deliver in the remaining games.
“Today nothing worked for us, neither the batting, bowling or fielding.”
Bangladesh’s maiden appearance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was marred by five missed chances, which allowed Sri Lanka to pile up 332 for one after electing to bat first.
Tillakaratne Dilshan smashed an unbeaten 161 off 146 balls and Kumar Sangakkara marked his 400th one-dayer with a century (105 not out), but Bangladesh failed miserably with the bat to be shot out for 240 with three overs to spare.
“The dropped catches cost us badly, but the bowling group was not up to the mark either,” said Mortaza, who had two catches spilt off his own bowling early in the match.
Mortaza dismissed suggestions that his team was overawed by their first trip to the iconic MCG, saying there could be no excuses for such a heavy defeat.
“The boys were excited to be playing at this ground, but they were not under any pressure,” he said. “We just did not execute our plans, that’s why we lost.
“It is never easy chasing such a big total and we did not have any big partnership. Overall it was a very disappointing and frustrating performance.”
Mortaza hoped Bangladesh, who were left with three points from as many matches and play Scotland next in Nelson on March 5, will bounce back.
“Our fans expect a lot from us, we can’t afford to disappoint them,” he said. “We have to improve.”