Coach Phil Simmons: Dropped Catches Shattered Bangladesh’s Final Dream

Bangladesh had the Asia Cup final within their grasp. Chasing a modest target of just 136, the Tigers fell agonizingly short, bowled out for 124. In a match where both bat and ball kept them alive, it was fielding errors that ultimately sank Bangladesh. After the 11-run defeat to Pakistan, head coach Phil Simmons clearly pointed out the turning point.

In the 12th over of Pakistan’s innings, Shaheen Shah Afridi was gifted two lives—missed by Nurul Hasan Sohan and Sheikh Mahedi Hasan. At that point, Pakistan were struggling at 50 for 5. Afridi went on to score a quick 19 off 13 balls, including two sixes, making Bangladesh pay dearly.

Similarly, Mohammad Nawaz was dropped on zero by Parvez Hossain Emon. Shortly after Afridi’s dismissal, Nawaz skied an easy catch, but Parvez failed to hold on. Nawaz later contributed a crucial 25 off 15 balls with two sixes and a four.

These two innings played a decisive role in Pakistan reaching 135, a total that ultimately proved enough to seal victory.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Simmons admitted, "When we dropped Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz, that’s when the game changed. Until then, we were completely in control."

He further added, "Some catches can be tough under the lights, but the ones we dropped had nothing to do with the lights or the conditions."

The head coach accepted that Bangladesh’s fielding lapses played a major role in the result. He emphasized that such mistakes are unacceptable at the international level, "At this stage, we don’t want to be making such errors. Of course, it can happen to any team at times, but it cost us dearly today."