Shakib: These things happen in cricket

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Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan said he couldn’t ask for more from his team and instead praised India after the Tigers lost to their Asian neighbours in the final of the T20 tri-series in Colombo on Sunday.

The Tigers were on the cusp of a famous when, defending a target of 167, they reduced India to 133/5 after 18 overs, still needing a further 34 runs from the final 12 deliveries.

However, Dinesh Karthik broke Bangladesh hearts as he smashed 29 from eight balls, including a six off the final delivery of the game, as India went on to win by four wickets and claim the trophy.

REPORT: Sensational Karthik wins T20 tri-series title for India

Shakib told reporters after the game: “You learn more things when you lose a game. We could have rectified so many small things which could have gone our away and we could have won easily.

“These things happen in cricket, which is why T20 is so exciting. India were almost out of the game [before Karthik started hitting].

“I think we did well for 38 overs except for the Miraz over at the start and the second last over when Rubel went for 22 runs.

“There are many positives. We are scoring consistently. Some of our bowlers did really well. We fielded really well too. We needed that extra edge, and hopefully we will get better. I can’t ask for more from my team.”

Shakib also paid tribute to Karthik for they way he won the game for his team under immense pressure.

The Tigers skipper said: “Credit goes to Dinesh Karthik for the way he batted. It is not an easy thing to do to hit a low full-toss like that. Five of the eight balls he faced went for boundaries. I think he hit three sixes. It was amazing hitting.

“We were so close, but India were on the winning side in the end. But you can’t take anything away from us, with the way we played in this tournament, and today.

“We showed some good character and played in the right spirit.”

Bangladesh Shakib-al-Hasan

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