Mashrafe rues missing opportunities

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza has regretted his side’s defeat in the series opener against South Africa, saying the match could have been close if they were more focussed. Powered by a splendid unbeaten knock from captain Faf du Plessis, South Africa scored 148 for four wickets. In reply, the Tigers were skittled out for a paltry 96 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium at Mirpur on Sunday afternoon. The chase, however, was on track with the hosts on 50 for 2 at one stage with Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim going well. Mashrafe thinks they had the game under control at that point. "We failed to utilise the chance. It would have been close if we were a bit more focused. I hope we will try harder if the next match reaches such state," Mashrafe told reporters on Sunday. Mushfiqur’s departure started the slide as Sabbir Rahman and Nasir Hossain failed to stay with Shakib who walked back himself under the weight of the climbing required rate. Only three of their batsmen reached two-digit scores as the hosts lost their last eight wickets for 48 runs and folded up for their lowest total at home. Mashrafe asked his teammates to play according to the situation in the next match. “When Sabbir went to the crease, we needed around seven-eight runs per over and nearly nine when Nasir went in. So they wanted to score off bad balls. But they tried to play too many shots. As we have been successful playing aggressively, it is natural to not want to change the style of play. But playing according to situation, too, is necessary. I hope the batsmen will be a bit thoughtful in such situation in future.” Mashrafe thinks Bangladesh lacked partnerships needed to chase down the target on the slow and low track, according to bdnews24.com.