ICC World Cup 2019 | I think we should have tried more desperately, feels Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh have slowly and gradually emerged as one of the contenders for the world titles at stake every time they have stepped out on the field. From reaching the quarterfinals in 2015, to reaching the Champions Trophy semi-finals in 2017, they have become a serious force to reckon with. This time was no different as they gave their all right from the start and while they did manage to win three games namely against South Africa, Afghanistan and West Indies, it was not enough to reach the knockout stages.

“It is right that we played good of cricket, but we didn’t come here to play good cricket. We wanted to win, but we couldn’t do it [against India]. I think it’s very disappointing because we couldn’t fulfill our dream that we had for this mega event. From that perspective, I think it’s very disappointing. if we could have done a few small things better, I think we would have got a better result,” veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan revealed on the team’s behalf, reported Cricbuzz.

Personally, Hasan has been a crucial member of the team right since his debut. From being the world’s best all-rounder in all the three formats simultaneously at a point of time to being the only one from is country with 200-plus Test wickets, the ex-skipper is easily one of the greats of the game. This World Cup has been no different, as he became the first player with 500 runs and 10 wickets in the same edition of the quadrennial tournament. He currently has 542 runs and 11 wickets and is one of the leading candidates for the player of the tournament award. 

However, he stated that the team needed to do more to go further in the Cup. They will play their last game against Pakistan tomorrow and have the chance of finishing the tournament in the fifth spot. 

“Those of us who are playing know our responsibility that we have to play well. It sometimes happens and sometimes doesn’t, that’s the thing, but I personally think if our applications were better in some areas, we could have been in a better position and it is true for every department, batting, bowling and fielding. If I talk about the whole summary of the World Cup result-wise, it’s very disappointing. There are some positive sides too, but talking about this doesn’t make any sense now because at the end of the day, results matter and this is an area that we have to change,” Shakib Al Hasan added.

Shakib believes had his team ground out results from close encounters such as those against India and New Zealand, they would have been more satisfied with the outcome.

“One thing I can say is that everyone is trying. Every one of us tried, but I think we should have tried more desperately,” he signed off.