Litton Das Blames The Rain For Bangladesh’s Home Series Defeat

Litton Das reacts to Bangladesh series loss vs New Zealand [Source: AP]

Bangladesh lost the third and final T20I against New Zealand by 6 wickets in a rain-hit game. The series got tied 1-1, and skipper Litton Das expressed his dissatisfaction with the end result.

Having won the first T20I comfortably before the second got washed out, Bangladesh approached the series finale with confidence. However, the weather gods had other plans.

Litton Das frustrated after Bangladesh lost to New Zealand

Bangladesh had a 43-run powerplay before the rain stopped play. After much delay, the game got reduced to 15 overs per side, and when the play resumed, the hosts lost momentum and finished on just 102 runs.

Needless to say, the rain broke their rhythm at a crucial stage. On a good batting surface, 100 was far below par. New Zealand, meanwhile, comfortably completed the chase with 20 balls to spare, thus levelling the series.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Litton Das was disappointed with the result. In the post-match presentation, he said rain played a massive spoilsport.

“When we were at the toss, I said that the weather is a big factor. I think the toss was important. Although when we batted first, 150 is obviously difficult to get, but when me and Hridoy got a partnership, the rain came, and after that it was not our day. It just broke the momentum,” Das said.

However, he also admitted that Bangladesh didn’t perform up to the mark as a collective unit. 

“When you are playing on such a good wicket...100 is not enough. I think anything around 160 would have been a good total. Although Shoriful bowled really well, that's why we tried in the middle to give them a little bit of pressure. But overall, both batting and bowling were not up to the mark. Yeah, definitely. If Shoriful continues like this, Bangladesh will be more successful in the future,” he added.

Also Read - Jayden Lennox Picks A Wicket On 1st Ball Of International Career, Becomes Only 3rd Player To...

Bevon Jacobs spoiled Shoriful Islam’s party

That being said, Bangladesh did start well in the second innings. Shoriful Islam struck thrice to remove the top order and conceded just 19 runs in 3 overs bowled.

Bangladesh had the momentum but failed to capitalise on it as the rest of the bowling unit didn’t support Islam. 

For New Zealand, Bevon Jacobs stole the show, scoring 62 off just 31 balls, including 5 fours and 3 sixes to guide the Kiwis to a successful chase.

Bangladesh to face Pakistan next

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s next international assignment will be against Pakistan. They will compete in a 2-game Test series, with the first game scheduled for May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka.

The second Test will be played on May 16 at Sylhet International Stadium. After the Test series, Bangladesh will host Australia in a white-ball series, which includes a three-game ODI and T20I series. Then, Bangladesh will travel to Australia for a 2-game Test series.

Also Read - BCCI Not To Let Riyan Parag Escape Easily After Vaping Video; Strict Action Loading