ICC World Cup 2019 | We had a 50-50 World Cup, says Mashrafe Mortaza
Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza was pleased with his side’s performance at the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019 but added that they could have ended the global showpiece on a better note. Mortaza & Co. fell to a 94-run defeat against Pakistan in their last group stage encounter at Lord’s on Friday.
Bangladesh stumbled out of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019 in a rather disappointing manner as they succumbed to a 94-run loss at the hands of Pakistan at Lord’s on Friday. Mashrafe Mortaza & Co. performed well above expectations in England and almost managed to make the semi-final stage before they recorded back-to-back losses against India and England in their final group stage matches.
Bangla Tigers captain Mortaza heaped praise on his teammates while adding that he was happy with their performance over the course of the tournament which included wins against South Africa and West Indies. However, the veteran pacer added that his side could have definitely ended the tournament on a much more positive note.
"We are not satisfied. Could've finished the World Cup on a good note, but end of the day, we've had a 50-50 World Cup. You give your 100%, and sometimes you need a bit of luck - but it's never been with us. I will go home and rethink of my career, and then make a final call. Thanks to all supporters - present all over the ground and back home. They keep supporting us. Hopefully next time we will make them happy," Mortaza was quoted as saying at the post-match presentation reports Cricinfo.
Mortaza, who has represented Bangladesh in 217 ODIs and probably played his last World Cup, singled out the likes of Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman for special praise after the duo impressed in the last month or so. Shakib is the tournament’s leading run-getter with 606 runs from all matches while Rahman has a tally of 20 wickets.
"I think both matches - last two matches - Shakib batted so well but we couldn't get partnerships. Game was 50-50, think we could've chased it, but partnerships were missing. I want to say sorry for Shakib, if we stepped up the tournament could've been different. Batted, bowled, fielded well - he was fantastic. Some important matches, our fielding wasn't good. It cost us a lot. Batting was fantastic. Mustafizur, starting from his career, he was unplayable. He got injured, but since our Ireland tour he's been really good. Hopefully no injuries for him in the future. Real asset for Bangladesh cricket," Mortaza added.
