World Cup 2019: Mortaza defends Mushfiqur’s run-out error

The run-out incident happened in the 12th over of the New Zealand innings when Bangladesh wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim dislodged the bails with his elbow, while trying to run out the Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson.

Mashrafe Mortaza is captaining Bangladesh for the second consecutive World Cup

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza came out in defence of wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim following his run-out blunder during its World Cup match against New Zealand here.

The incident happened in the 12th over when Mushfiqur dislodged the bails with his elbow while trying to run out New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, who went on to share a crucial 105-run stand for the third wicket with Ross Taylor.

The partnership set the tone as New Zealand chased down Bangladesh’s 245-run target, scoring 248 for 8 in 47.1 overs.

“Mushi (Mushfiqur), I don’t think we need to go after him, because it could happen to anybody because he was also trying hard to get him,” Mortaza said.

READ| World Cup 2019: New Zealand rides its luck to defeat Bangladesh in thriller

“That throw was straight, and then as a keeper, it’s very difficult to tell if it was straight or not. He wants to pick the ball and suddenly it hits his elbow, I guess."

“Those sort of mistakes always happen in the ground. So I don’t think we should go after him.”

Mortaza said his team was 20 to 30 runs shy of what could have been a winning score at The Oval.

“On this wicket it will be difficult (to defend less than 250) for sure. The spin played a big part but on this wicket it’s difficult for any teams. If you can’t get early wickets especially,” he said.

“We were very close, a few runs short but very close. If you don’t score big, you have to take all your chances."

“If we could have managed to score 20 to 30 runs more than we did it would have been different.”

Bangladesh, who had defeated South Africa in its opening match, will next take on England, who has also won one and lost one.

Mashrafe said it will be a difficult task for his team to beat the host.

“I think England are one of the biggest sides in the tournament. It won’t be easy. If we can play our best possible cricket, you never know,” he said.

“I don’t think we played badly today which is a positive. Defending 244, everyone knows on this wicket at The Oval is not easy. We were very close."

“The batting side, we started partnerships but couldn’t kick on. If we can get that right in the next match, it will be a good match.”