Shanto: On this pitch we didn't bat well
Bangladesh players are in a huddle ahead of the chase, ICC
Despite Shanto anchoring the top order with a solid 77, Bangladesh lost three crucial wickets after the 15-over mark, causing their innings to lose momentum and structure.
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Michael Bracewell shone for New Zealand, dismissing Tanzid Hasan early before triggering the middle-order collapse by sending Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah back to the pavilion cheaply.
Bangladesh eventually posted a modest total of 236.
"I thought we started well with the bat but we lost wickets in the middle. On this pitch we didn't bat well," Shanto remarked, highlighting the promising start during the Powerplay.
He acknowledged that losing quick wickets in the middle overs was a major setback.
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"It's a pretty good wicket, we just needed two big partnerships. It was disappointing after the ten-over performance. We should've carried on," he added.
Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana provided early breakthroughs with the ball, but Rachin Ravindra's century left Bangladesh with limited opportunities during most of New Zealand's chase. The Tigers' fielding also lacked sharpness, with several chances going begging.
"He [Nahid] is brilliant, the way he bowled he has made us happy. Last few years our bowling unit has done a great job but our batters need to step up," Shanto observed.
With both Bangladesh and hosts Pakistan eliminated from the tournament after two games, their Group A clash has turned into a dead rubber. However, Shanto emphasized the importance of ending on a positive note to regain confidence.
"It's an important game. If we finish it on a high note it will give us a lot of confidence but we need to do well as a batting group and as a fielding side as well and I hope they will be better in the next match," he said, reminding the team of the missed opportunities in the field against New Zealand.
