Bangladesh head coach Steve Rhodes mulled Bangladesh’s World Cup(WC) mission as successful even though he was disappointed the way they ended the tournament.
The Tigers won three matches, lost five while one game against Sri Lanka was washed out without a ball being bowled due to heavy rain at Bristol.
Even in losing-cause, Bangladesh showed their character by pushing the teams hard but it was not the case against England and Pakistan. While Rhodes had no objection about being thumped to hosts England by 106 runs, he felt shame to loss to Pakistan by 94 runs in their last game.
Coming off with four straight victories against Pakistan, Bangladesh was favourite to win the game, only to find them vulnerable against teen-age fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi who claimed 6-35, a best bowling figure by a Pakistani bowler in World Cup, to demolish the Tigers completely.
“I was just a bit disappointed in the last games against Pakistan in that we couldn’t keep one more last fight for that game, but you know we fought hard at eight of the games. Seven of the games and one rained off,” Rhodes told the reporters in London.
“But certainly the Pakistan game was disappointing because we just didn’t really get together on the day. So, it’s a shame that it ended that way.”
If the game against Pakistan is cut out, Bangladesh had a tournament to savour, Rhodes said. “I think, I have enjoyed the tournament. I think the tournament and playing everybody once has been terrific. It can test you because you do that you play against everybody, so, you play against the very best and even the ones who are at the bottom of the table that are actually very good sides.” What pleased Rhodes was Bangladesh’s mental toughness as they didn’t breakdown at any stage of the game even against the big guns.
He said he is extremely proud to see their attitude and hunger for the victory which would serve well the Bangladesh cricket in future.
“So, it’s a real test but I am very proud the way we performed, certainly the way we fought hard specially against the top sides.”
Rhodes said everyone in the dressing room was determined to win against any nation, regardless of the cricketing history or strength.
According him even Abu Jayed Rahee, who is the only player in the squad not to get chance to play any match in this World Cup was positive about the side’s victory.
“Prior to that (Pakistan match) I was very proud of the boys. And fight that they showed from number one to 15. Even though Rahi didn’t play [but was positive]. He was very professional and did a good job for the squad,” Rhodes concluded.
