3 instances when Bangladesh lost crucial matches in international cricket

When it comes to winning matches in cricket, planning, execution, capability, and composure are vital. Any unit that wants to achieve success in the game should know how to hold nerves in pressure situations. In recent years, Bangladesh created tumultuous situations for top teams, but when it came to wrapping up games in style, they were left behind. Their record of losing close games in recent years is something very embarrassing for them.

A team like Bangladesh, that has played so much cricket in more than 3 decades, should know how to finish matches. But the balanced team, with a mix of youngsters and experienced men, has shown how impatient they have been in these years while finishing matches that have been under their grip.    

From World T20 2016 match against India to the Asia Cup 2022 group-stage game, Bangladesh have shown that snatching defeat from the jaws of victory have become their knack. Their habit of losing the crucial matches clearly shows that the Asian tigers still lack nerves of steel.

Let us look at the close contests that Bangladesh lost in recent years:

1. India Vs Bangladesh at M Chinnaswamy, Bangalore in ICC World T20 2016

India and Bangladesh were locking horns in the group 2 match of ICC World T20 2016. In two matches, India had lost 1 against New Zealand and won 1 against Pakistan, and to qualify for the semis, the men in blue had to win the game against Mortaza and Co. On the other side, Bangladesh were already out of the tournament after losing their two games against Pakistan and Australia.

With this game, Bangladesh had an opportunity to ruin India’s chances of qualifying for the semis. In the match, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field first. Indian openers Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan were ineffective as both got dismissed easily after spending some time at the crease. Bangladesh bowlers dominated the first inning of the match as the Indian batters could rack up only 146 in 20 overs for the loss of seven wickets.

When Bangladeshi batters came out on the field to chase, they lost Mohammad Mithun in the 2nd over. But the steady innings of Tamim Iqbal and the swift 26 made by Sabbir Rahman made the contest interesting. In the last 3 deliveries, the set batters Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah had to score 2 runs to take their team home, but the poor shot selection from both and the outstanding runout from MS Dhoni resulted in the defeat of Bangladesh by 1 run.