Mashrafe Expresses Disappointment Over Lack of Effort to Reach Semifinals

In the last T20 World Cup, Bangladesh's path to the semifinals was straightforward; they just needed to beat Pakistan in the final match. However, they couldn't achieve that. This time, the scenario was slightly more complex. Bangladesh needed to defeat Afghanistan in the final match and also meet the net run rate requirement.

Restricting Afghanistan to 115 runs, the Tigers had the equation within reach. They needed to score 116 runs in 12.1 overs to secure a semifinal spot. However, apart from Liton Das, the rest of the players showed no intent.

Not only did the Tigers fail to achieve the target in 12.1 overs, but they also lost the match. Liton Das, who remained unbeaten with 54 runs, ended up on the losing side.

Former captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza questioned why the Tigers didn't play to score 116 runs in 12.1 overs against Afghanistan.

In his view, playing just to win this match made no sense. Even if they had won, it would have been a defeat of conscience. However, he praised the Afghan team's mindset.

On his personal Facebook profile, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza wrote:

"Seeing Litton's intent and the silence from the non-striker’s end, it’s clear there was no clear message to the batting unit. If there was any message, it kept changing every one or two overs, which ultimately led to just winning the match.

"Today’s calculation was simply 12.1 overs. There was no room for any other consideration. Even if the team had been all out for 50 runs, everyone would have accepted it easily.

"And if we had won this match, we would still have lost in our conscience. This match was not like any other; it was akin to making history. Nevertheless, I see hope, Insha’Allah, maybe one day...

"Congratulations to the Afghans. Their amazing body language, fighting till the end, and their celebration at the end were remarkable. Kabul must be shaking now."