New Delhi:
Australia was boosted by a splendid display of batting and bowling in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 clash against Bangladesh in Trent Bridge. David Warner blasted 166 and some blazing knocks from Usman Khawaja and Glenn Maxwell helped Australia reach 381/6. In response, Bangladesh put up a spirited fight and a century from Mushfiqur Rahim and attacking fifties from Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah helped Bangladesh register their highest ODI score but they still lost by 48 runs. Australia skipper Aaron Finch was satisfied with the result but he has expressed disappointment with one aspect which let the team down.
“It was disappointing actually. We always pride ourselves on our fielding and we were quite sloppy despite the wet conditions at the beginning. No excuses there,” Finch said. Australia missed three run-out chances while Mitchell Starc dropped Mahmudullah off Nathan Coulter-Nile. Finch said partnerships with both the batting and the bowling proved to be crucial in pulling off the win.
“Every time there was a partnership going, there were a few butterflies. We have been pretty consistent. We have guys who have World Cup experience. Having good partnerships with bat and ball is important,” Finch said.
The win put Australia one step closer to making the semi-finals while for Bangladesh, every match is now a must-win. Tamim Iqbal, who has gotten starts in all the six games but managed just one fifty, the 62 against Australia, has said the team pushes itself hard in trying to achieve success.
“In the last game I was batting well, against Australia it was the same but I've not been able to capitalise with important runs. The team expects a lot from me, I expect a lot from myself, and until now it's not been great. In the first three games, I got myself set and then played two bad shots - I got a decent delivery in the first game (against South Africa) but after that, I gave my wicket away so I needed to be more disciplined,” Tamim said.
Australia will now face an epic contest against England on June 25 in Lord's while Bangladesh faces a must-win situation against Afghanistan on June 24.
