Shakib Al Hasan conceded Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals were all but over after a crushing 149-run defeat by South Africa in Mumbai on Tuesday.
The Proteas piled up 382-5 after winning the toss, with Quinton de Kock making 174 -- his third century of the tournament -- and Heinrich Klaasen a rapid 90.
South Africa, briefly wobbling at 36-2, ran riot with 144 runs off their last 10 overs.
Bangladesh then collapsed to 58-5, with only Mahmudullah’s 111 preventing an even larger margin of defeat.
Yes, I thought we bowled well for the first 25 overs, got three wickets and they were going at five-an-over. Then they kicked on, I thought Quinton de Kock batted really well and the way Heinrich Klaasen finished it off, we didn’t have any answers to itShakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh captain
As it is, Bangladesh have now suffered four defeats in five games and sit rock-bottom of the 10-team group.
“We’d still like to finish up the table, if not semi-finalists then fifth or sixth,” said Shakib, returning from a thigh injury that forced him out of a defeat by India.
Bangladesh, who’d won three of their four previous one-day internationals against South Africa, made a decent start.
“Yes, I thought we bowled well for the first 25 overs, got three wickets and they were going at five-an-over,” said Shakib.
“Then they kicked on, I thought Quinton de Kock batted really well and the way Heinrich Klaasen finished it off, we didn’t have any answers to it.”
Shakib, now in his fifth World Cup, had a match to forget, the left-arm spinner returning expensive figures of 1-69 in nine overs before falling for just one.
“We should have bowled better but we lost our plans in the last 10 overs,” said the 36-year-old all-rounder. “That’s where we lost the game.”
As for whether Mahmudullah and fellow middle-order veteran Mushfiqur Rahim should be promoted up the order, Shakib said: “They’re doing their roles well but our top four or five are not scoring runs, need to score more runs so we can get more out of them.”
The 37-year-old Mahmudullah added: “I have seen a lot of ups and downs throughout my career. (Batting down the order) is fine.
“Yesterday the coach (Chandika Hathurusingha) told me that I was batting at No 6. I went out there and played my game”.
Shakib, looking at the tournament as a whole, said: “South Africa, India and New Zealand are the three teams that look like they can win the title. But anything can happen...There’s still a long way to go.
“There is a lot to learn and a lot to play for. For the (2025) Champions Trophy, we have to be in the top eight (in the ODI standings) and that’s important.”