Shakib rues over missing opportunities after India defeat
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Bangladesh were so close and yet so far in Dhaka, and after a three-wicket loss to India, Shakib Al Hasan was left lamenting his team's missed opportunities.
Four opportunities were missed in India's first innings, and with Bangladesh three wickets away and India 65 runs short of their target, Mominul Haque dropped R Ashwin at short leg, which proved decisive in the end.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz finished his five-for with Axar Patel's wicket, leaving India 74 for 7 on the fourth morning. Mehidy delivered a complete package as Ashwin attempted to tap towards the covers but it was intercepted by short leg. Mominul had taken a similar, and even tougher, catch off Mehidy on Saturday to send Virat Kohli back but it went out this time.
"It is slightly disappointing, as other teams don't miss the chances that we are missing. Those made the difference. We could have bowled them out for 250 instead of 314 [in the first innings]. There was a chance in the second innings [too]… But it is part of cricket. We fielded well in the T20 World Cup and the ODI series [against India], but we couldn't do it in the Test match. Maybe it happens because of a lack of concentration or fitness,” Shakib said after the game.
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"We have to find out how better to concentrate for longer, and avoid making mistakes. Other teams don't give so many opportunities. We miss regulation chances. Our bowlers have to create 13-14 chances to take ten wickets. Other teams have to create nine chances to take ten wickets."
Bangladesh dominated play in the opening hour as Shakib dismissed nightwatchman Jaydev Unadkat, who hit a six in the opening over but fell in the next after making 13. Mehidy then trapped danger man Rishabh Pant leg before for nine before he bowled unbeaten overnight batsman Axar Patel for 34 runs.
Ashwin was dropped by Mominul Haque on one at forward short leg before he grew in confidence, with Iyer looking solid against spin at the other end. After his three fours in two overs, Bangladesh were forced to finally bring pacers into the attack but to no avail. Ashwin -- named player of the match -- took India close with a six after Mehidy changed his bowling end and wrapped up the contest with two more boundaries.
"Here, losing three wickets quickly is quite normal. Getting a hat-trick was possible. I think Ashwin and Iyer both batted well on a pitch that wasn't easy. Credit to them. I think we tried in every which way. We fell slightly short, somehow,”
"When you have taken seven wickets for 75 [74], you can expect to win. They needed 71 runs, we needed one wicket. It is difficult to say [what went wrong], but we tried everything. Perhaps we could have bowled better, maybe created more chances, especially on this type of pitch. [But] I am happy with the way we fought throughout the Test" he added.
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