Tigers lose to ‘much better’ Scotland

BANGLADESH skipper Mahmudullah Riyad (below right) said they had let themselves and millions of their fans down after a six-run loss to minnows Scotland in the Twenty20 World Cup last Sunday (17).

The ICC world number six Bangladesh faltered in their chase of 141 to finish on 134-7 in the first-round Group B match in Muscat.

The loss extended the team’s horror run in the shortest format, with just one victory at the tournament since 2007.

“As a batting unit, we have disappointed ourselves, so it’s a big concern,” said Mahmudullah. “And we need to see where we have made those mistakes and probably need to try not to repeat those mistakes in the next game.”

Bangladesh’s bowlers had reduced Scotland to 53-6 before Chris Greaves hit a match-winning 45. He then took two key wickets to create a big upset on day one of the 16-nation tournament.

He took down Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim in two overs with his leg spin after the Bangladesh spinners had shone following their decision to bowl first.

“I think the bowlers are on the right track. We picked up six wickets within 60 runs, but after that they had a good partnership,” said Mahmudullah.

“They played better cricket than us, and we were just not good enough tonight.”

Bangladesh fans are known for their passionate support and Mahmudullah said “we disappointed them”.

The top two teams from Group B will advance into the next stage. After one game, Scotland are behind table toppers Oman, who thrashed Papua New Guinea in the tournament opener earlier in the day.