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'This Is As Bad As It Gets': Shakib Reflects as Bangladesh Faces Fifth Consecutive Loss vs Netherlands

image-loadv9j7Shakib Al Hasan has failed to lead by example in World Cup 2023 (Twitter)

In a World Cup laden with unexpected outcomes, the Netherlands, often sidelined in among more prominent cricket-playing nations, delivered another masterstroke.

Riding high on their recent conquest over South Africa, they vanquished Bangladesh comprehensively during Match 28 of World Cup 2023 at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.

NED vs BAN: Shakib laments as Bangladesh's semi-final dreams shatter

The Dutch set a target of 229 in 50 overs, which under normal circumstances would be seen as achievable. However, the Bangladeshi batsmen floundered, crumbling at just 142 runs, and gifting the Netherlands an emphatic 87-run victory. This loss was especially bitter for Bangladesh, marking their fifth consecutive defeat and dashing their semi-final aspirations.

Bangladeshi skipper, Shakib al Hasan, while reflecting on the match, lauded his team's bowling performance. However, he felt that their fielding could have been sharper and believed that the Netherlands could have been restricted to a total below 170.

“I think we bowled really well. We were sloppy in the field. We should have restricted them, looking at the position they were in, under 160-170. 230 on this track with a fast outfield, we bowled really well,” said Shakib.




Furthermore, it was their performance with the bat that was most concerning for him. The southpaw reckoned that throughout the tournament, the batting unit failed to find its rhythm.

“We are very poor with the bat throughout this tournament. This is as bad as it gets. 3 more big games to come. We have to pick ourselves to finish the tournament on a high but it is very difficult. We have to move forward, take this on our chin, and look forward to the next game. Throughout this tournament, we've been struggling big time. Not sure what's going on in our mind. Every individual is different. It's very unlike us, the way we play,” added the Bangladesh skipper.

Shakib also acknowledged the constant support from the fans. Despite their uncharacteristic string of losses, the all-rounder expressed hope for a significant turnaround in the matches to come as he highlighted the importance of ending the tournament on a positive note.

“The fans have been supporting us through the ups and downs and I hope they will keep on supporting us whatever happens in the game. We are hopeful that there will be a big turnaround on the 31st,” concluded Shakib.