Mushfiqur apologises to nation for loss to India

Kolkata, March 26 : Still smarting from a reckless shot that derailed Bangladesh from the course of victory against India, Mushfiqur Rahim has apologised to the nation, blaming his impulsiveness for the one-run defeat in Bengaluru.

Needing 10 to win in the last five balls of the World Twenty20 Group 2 match, the Bangladesh Test captain hit successive boundaries to put Bangladesh on the verge of a famous win against their neighbours at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, reports bdnews24.com.

With two runs still needed off the last three balls, Mushfiqur inexplicably skied the next ball for a catch near the boundary in the deep.

"I should not have been out in such a fashion at that time. Maybe the team lost because of me. In that case I am deeply sorry," a post on Mushfiqur's official Facebook fan page said.

"I know the loss was very painful for you (fans) but everyone in the team gives the best in every match. So the defeat was agonising for me as well as for the team. I hope to learn from this and bring smiles on your faces in the future."

After Mushfiqur departed, his partner Mahmudullah made the same mistake to be dismissed before a run out on the last ball, sealing Bangladesh's exit from the World Twenty20.

Mahmudullah shared India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's comment on his Facebook page.

Dhoni had said "…at times you look to finish it with the big shot. And if you think you have wickets in hand, you think others can finish it. And when you are batting well, you go for your shots. It's a learning for Mahmudullah.

"That's what cricket is all about. If that had gone for a six, it was a great shot. Great courage. That's what cricket is. I feel before you play the shot, that's when he has to decide."

Sabbir Rahman was keen on turning around from the slump.

"What happened was undesirable. Something that none of us had expected. We always play for victory. But anyway, Inshallah we will come back strongly in the next match. Please keep us in your prayers," the 24-year-old all-rounder said.