My senseless mistake caused the World T20 defeat to India: Mahmudullah

Chasing 147, Bangladesh were all set for a win against India at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on April 23, before a last-minute collapse led to the defeat. Needing 11 runs in the last over, Mushfiqur Rahim scored two boundaries in a row, off the second and third deliveries off Hardik Pandya, to leave Bangladesh needing just two runs off three balls. Mushfiqur Rahim went for a glory shot off the fourth ball and holed out at deep midwicket, leaving Mahmudullah the job to take the team to the win.

But the senior batsman attempted a six off the fifth ball with just two runs needed and perished near the boundary, leaving the side in a lot of trouble. Shuvagata Hom missed the last ball and Indian skipper Dhoni ran out Mustafizur Rahman to dump Bangladesh out of the World T20.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, weeks after the agonising loss, Mahmudullah apologised for the mistake he made against India.

“There was still hope … but it didn’t happen, it’s actually my fault. I made a senseless mistake and was responsible for the defeat.

“I just want to say – I apologise to everyone. I am yet to say officially something after that match. I will try to handle such situation smartly in the future,” Mahmudullah told ‘bdnews24.com’.

The 30-year old added that he never thought Bangladesh would lose from that position and will try to choose safer options the next time.

“How can I forget that? When Mushfiq and I were batting … never thought that we could lose.

“Actually, Mushfiq’s wicket after two fine boundaries was unthinkable. After that, my dismissal was unimaginable as well – it was such a mistake.

“The ball was there to be hit for sixes but I missed. But I can’t go back and fix it. In the future, I will try to choose safer options in such situations,” Mahmudullah said.