Bangladesh’s semifinal hope ended with their 28-run loss to India, but the Tigers again showed their character of not losing it before the last ball or last wicket of the game.
On an increasingly deteriorating pitch, they kept the world interested when they were chasing down India’s mammoth 314-9. Not so many people gave it a thought that Bangladesh could survive long in a tricky pitch to scare India to some extent. But the Tigers at one phase raised the prospect of a victory, leaving India captain Virat Kohli stunned at the sudden outcome.
Bangladesh were bundled out for 286 in 48 overs eventually but they could have restricted India less than 300 had Tamim Iqbal not shelled a regulation catch of Rohit Sharma on 9, who later went on to blast 92 ball-104.
However, they finally couldn’t make it happen. And it was not the first time in this World Cup that they showed character even in defeat. It’s a case of ‘what if’ for Bangladesh side, who have also pushed Australia, England and New Zealand close, only to ultimately narrowly lose each time.
In doing so, Tigers at least won the heart of the people if not get a place in the semifinal.
Tigers head coach Steve Rhodes also insisted that considering their never-say-die attitude, they will be seen as the ‘people’s team’. “I’m very proud of the way we have played the big teams. Maybe we have become the people’s team because of the way we have played against them, so I’m very proud,” Rhodes said after Bangladesh crashed out of the World Cup.
