• Source:PTI
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A disheartened Bangladesh captain, Shakib Al Hasan, did not mince any words after 87-run loss against Netherlands at the Eden Gardens in Sunday. Shakib openly criticized his players following the defeat Shakib stating that "it doesn't get any worse" and that he couldn't comprehend what was going through their minds.

Shakib also spoke about how the 'incident' between him and Tamim Iqbal could have impacted team's performance.

"It could be. I don't know what's in everyone's heart. I don't disagree with you. It may have had an effect." Shakib told reporters in the post-match press conference.

Before the start of the World Cup 2023, a controversy erupted over Tamim Iqbal's omission from Bangladesh's 15-member World Cup squad due to fitness concerns. Surprisingly, Tamim revealed that he voluntarily chose not to be considered for selection after a member of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) suggested he bat in the middle order. This revelation led to a fiery exchange between Tamim and his former captain, Shakib Al Hasan, in a heated interview, with Shakib describing Tamim's actions as childish.

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Shakib also highlighted how the team faltered in all three departments against a spirited Netherlands side. 

"We have been poor with the bat all tournament and this is as bad as it gets. There is more cricket to come and we have to pick ourselves up and I know it's hard but we have to try to finish the tournament on a high," said Shakib, who himself contributed just five runs here on Saturday.

"Throughout the tournament, we have been struggling, I don't know what's on the players' minds," he added.

The veteran all-rounder was also unhappy with the fielding effort, saying his players were "sloppy".

"I thought we bowled really well but we were sloppy in the field. We should have restricted them to 160-170 from the position we were in."

The Netherlands pulled off another upset by dismantling Bangladesh for just 142 runs in 42.2 overs after setting a target of 230 for victory. With their fifth consecutive loss in six matches, Bangladesh's chances in the tournament are virtually extinguished, as they currently hold only two points.

 

Inputs from PTI