Bangladesh were outplayed in all departments by India in their ICC Champions Trophy semi-final but they should be proud of their performance and can approach the 2019 World Cup as legit contenders, believes former Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara.
Bangladesh was ultimately outplayed in all departments.
In the last few years, aided by the shrewd coaching of Chandika Hathurasinghe, a supportive cricket board and a clutch of quality senior players led by Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh have made huge progress.
They have now reached the knock-out stages in the last two major ICC events and can start planning for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 with real hope of being a contender.
Bangladesh has proven to be resilient and strong.
Bangladesh perhaps betrayed some inexperience in these high-profile knock-out matches as they squandered a strong platform – on 154 for two with 22 overs remaining, the Tigers were looking so good.
The game turned emphatically towards India with a smart move by skipper Kohli bring Kedar Jadhav into the attack. His off breaks accounted for both - a restless Tamin Iqbal (70) and Mushfiqur Rahim (61).