Two set batters should have played longer : Najmul Hossain Shanto

In the World Cup clash against India, Bangladesh openers Tanzid Hasan and Liton Das scored half-centuries each to provide a 97-run opening stand for Bangladesh, but once Kuldeep Yadav removed the former, a procession started. Later, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah resurrected things a little bit, as Bangladesh ended with a sub-par total of 256 runs. 

However, stand-in skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was critical of the openers, stating on a difficult wicket, it was important for the two set batters to bat even longer in order to ease things up for the middle-order batters.

“The preparation was very good, to be very honest. The place where we were struggling was being good at the top order. The opening was good. But I think those two set batsmen should have been played longer. Because the wicket was such that if one batsman had played 120-130 innings, then it would have been a bit easier for the lower-order batsmen,” Shanto said in the post-match press conference.

“Yes, I think we couldn't bat well in the middle overs. But what I feel, I think one of our opening batsmen, if he bat a bit longer, it would have different ball game. So, I think the openers should have bat a bit longer.”

Bangladesh bowlers had an absolute stinker of a day with the ball, with all three of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and later, Virat Kohli caressing them all throughout the park. However, Shanto refused to blame his bowlers, adding that batters should have contributed more to the cause.

“I don't see any fault of bowlers here. I think bowlers are bowling very well. Still, there are places for improvement. But I think if batsmen could add a bit more runs on the board then it would be a little easy for them,” Shanto added.

“Shakib is definitely a very important player. Of course, we missed him, but Nasum also bowled very well. I think he bowled very well 6-7 overs at the beginning and I think it is the responsibility of every batsman to score runs for the team. Of course, the position I bat in is very important because the number 3 position is important. The last 2-3 matches are over. We have to focus on the upcoming matches,” the stand-in skipper further elaborated.