DHAKA, Oct 24, 2023 (BSS) - Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan lamented a consistent poor batting of the top order batters, saying that they need to hit back to form if they want to make a strong finish in the ICC Cricket World Cup.

His comment came after Bangladesh's crushing 149-run defeat to South Africa at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai today. It was Bangladesh's fourth defeat in five matches, which almost ruined their hopes to seal the semifinal spot.

The hope to beat South Africa in this match was dented when the Proteas compiled a mammoth 382-5 after opting to bat first. Bangladesh were slumped to 81-6 but thanks to a run-a-ball-111 of Mahmudullah Riyad, they finally put up 233 before being all out in 46.4 overs.

Mahmudullah's century once again raised the question whether the senior batter like him and Mushfiqur Rahim bat higher in the order.
 
"There has been lot of talking about whether Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah should bat higher. But the role they have, they're doing very well. Our top four batters need to do well," Shakib said after the match.
 
According to him, they actually lost the match when South Africa racked up 144 runs in the final 10 overs.
 
"We bowled first 25 overs well. We got three wickets, they were going at about 5 an over. From there they kicked on. Quinton batted really well, and the way Klaasen finished was something we didn't have any answer to. On a ground like this it can happen but we should've bowled better. Lost the game in the last 10 overs," Shakib added.

After realizing that the semifinal hope is almost over, Shakib said they would be happy now to finish fifth or sixth.
 
"Long way to go in this tournament, anything can happen. There is lot to be learnt, and lot to play for. We'll love to finish fifth or sixth if not in the semis. We're not playing like a team that can do it, but hope to finish stronger," he remarked.

South Africa stand in skipper Aiden Markram praised Mahmudullah's effort, stating that the batter gave them a tough time in the ground.
 
"Tough to grind it out towards the end, but all in all it was a great day. Guys have worked quite hard at the death. Especially against Mahmudullah who played fantastically, we thought we'll execute our death bowling plans. It's quite different how each person in the top 6 plays. It's something you can't take for granted and we won't do that."