|| CF Correspondent ||

Bangladesh were 20 to 30 runs shy of what they needed according to captain Mashrafe Mortaza after a narrow two-wicket loss to New Zealand at The Oval.

Following an opening victory against South Africa in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, the Bangladeshis came into their second game with increased expectations, but paid the price for losing wickets at regular intervals as they were bowled out for 244 in the final over of the first innings.

Ross Taylor (82) and Kane Williamson (40) put on 105 in reply and despite the spinners combining to take six wickets, the Black Caps held their nerve to see out a second successive win.

 Mashrafe highlighted the batting, where five players were out in the 20s, as the reason for the defeat.

“On this wicket it will be difficult (to defend less than 250) for sure. The spin played a big part but on this wicket it’s difficult for any teams if you can’t get early wickets especially,’’ said Mashrafee.

‘’We were very close, a few runs short but very close. If you don’t score big, you have to take all your chances. If we could have managed to score 20 to 30 runs more than we did it would have been different,’’ he said.

Bangladesh now head into a clash with England having won one and lost one, like the tournament hosts.

And while Mashrafe admits it will be a big ask to win in Cardiff, he feels there are positives to take from this narrow loss.

“I think England are one of the biggest sides in the tournament. It won’t be easy. If we can play our best possible cricket, you never know,’’ he said.