India, as the second team after Australia, sealed the semi-final spot in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
It was not a last over thriller – but it was agonizing indeed for Bangladesh fans, once again they cast out from a big competition with a narrow defeat against India, this time it is in the World Cup.
For young gun like Mohammad Saifuddin who fought valiantly showing the edge to the strong neighbors, the 28-run defeat was rather despairing. The 22-year old all-rounder said he craved to win the vital clash against the big opponent.
“It hurts. Few days ago, there was a rumour about me that I don’t want to play against the big teams because of fear and for this I give excuses. This controversy heated me up. I wanted to win the match on my own against a big team and wanted to be the hero,” Saifuddin said.
“This thought was in my mind from the first ball to last ball that I faced against India. I wanted to win the match and prove the rumor was wrong. The loss felt like a sky falling down over my head. It’s natural to feel bad in this type of situation because we are out of the World Cup,” he said.
With nine exquisite shots of four, Saifuddin crafted a 38 ball unbeaten 51 making Bangladesh stay alive till to the very end of the game.
“Maybe I haven’t guided my team to victory in any match at the international level, but I did it against South Africa in Chittagong at the Under-19 level. So, I was recalling that day again and again, and I hoped I would do that once again today. I was telling myself that I will do my best,” he added.
Bangladesh have 12 balls left in hand needing 28 runs by the time all ten wickets fall apart in front a full house crowd at the Edgbaston.
“I always looked forward to this type of opportunity in which I can finish the game off for my team,” he said.
“I was connecting well today. I was confident that I will be able to pull this off but unfortunately it didn’t happen,” Saifuddin said.
