Mirpur: Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim has no answer for his team’s poor showing in the ICC World Twenty20 so far, despite them being the hosts.
A crowd of more than 25,000 had turned up to cheer for them against West Indies on Tuesday, but they all left dejected as Bangladesh lost by 73 runs after being bowled out for just 98.
Rahim, whose side also lost to Hong Kong in qualifying, apologised to the supporters after the match. “It is really disappointing and still the crowd are coming and supporting us. I really feel sorry for them because we didn’t perform well,” he said.
“Hopefully we will come up with some good performances in the next couple of days. We have to improve as much for ourselves as for them.
“Nothing is working in our favour. We are trying different combinations and trying guys in different spots but nothing is going right for us. I am really disappointed.”
Bangladesh next face India on Friday, followed by Pakistan on Sunday and Australia on Tuesday as they bid to qualify from Group 2.
Pressure
Rahim was grilled by local media in English as well as Bengali. He patiently answered but could not explain the reasons for his team’s poor show on familiar conditions.
“We are trying to find the main problem. It could be that previously our players could play their natural game freely from their positions. We didn’t get that result in the last three months,” he said.
“The pressure is about their own place and that’s when you fall into pressure and can’t play naturally. In T20 format you have to start scoring quickly, so it becomes difficult for those out of form. We have to give our best. We have to play our natural game as we did in the last two years.”
Rahim was asked whether his team lacks mental strength and he admitted: “The confidence is low now because of our batting and bowling form. It is reflected in our catching and misfielding. Yes, I feel some are mentally down.”
