Australian captain Steven Smith conceded that his side will have to improve in its performance if it wants to go the distance in the World T20 cricket tournament as the Aussies huffed and puffed to a three-wicket win over Bangladesh.
“We haven’t been good enough in the middle overs (today against Bangladesh). Don’t know about that, we made it difficult at the end. We have to do better,” Smith said when asked about Australia making it tough for itself in its run chase from a seemingly comfortable position.
Australia was well placed at 95 for one in the 12th over but from there lost six wickets in 6.3 overs for the addition of 57 runs to put itself in trouble. Its brisk rate of scoring before the batting collapse saved it from a possible defeat as it huffed and puffed to chase down the target of 157 with nine balls to spare.
He said the top-order batsmen should have taken up the responsibility of finishing the match with one of them staying till the end.
“Bangladesh bowled quite well in the middle overs. it was about the top four going on and get a not out and making it more clinical,” he said.
“We’ve had a bit of travel, but it’s not an excuse.
“Pakistan and India play well in these conditions they’re different, the pitches weren’t like this in the IPL. Our players have to adapt better,” he added.
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said that his side’s bowling and fielding departments could have done better.
“First six overs was crucial, we knew this ground was high-scoring. Our fielding and bowling could have been better. Mahmudullah played really well, Mithun and Shakib too,” said Mashrafe.
“Two losses in a row, but we have two matches left and we’ll see what happens,” he added.
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