Parvez Hossain Emon believes Bangladesh were in a good position during their chase against Australia before losing momentum with two quick wickets.
Bangladesh lost the second T20I by seven runs in Chattogram on Friday. Chasing 197, the hosts finished on 189 for 6 despite several batters making useful contributions.
Emon said the chase was going according to plan for a long period.
“We were going according to our plan. I think the biggest loss was when my wicket and Saif bhai’s wicket fell back to back. We fell behind a little there. Otherwise, it was looking very good,” he said.
Emon scored 36 from 22 balls while Saif Hassan made 42. Captain Towhid Hridoy added 35. However, none of the Bangladesh batters could turn their starts into a big score.
The opener felt that was the main reason behind the defeat.
“To chase this kind of score, you need a big innings. Most of us got out after scoring 30 or 40. If any one of us could convert that into a bigger score, the chase would have become easier,” he said.
Bangladesh had several batters who looked settled during the innings. Emon said the plan was to keep wickets in hand and punish the loose deliveries.
“One batter staying till the end is important. It depends on what the situation demands. The target was big today. When Saif bhai and I were batting, we were talking about staying set and making use of any loose ball,” he said.
“I think we have batters who can play that role. Hridoy bhai always does that. Saif bhai also did it today. After a couple of wickets fell, he tried to hold the innings together.”
Bangladesh were without captain Litton Das, who missed the match through injury. Emon admitted the team felt the absence of one of its most experienced T20 batters.
“Yes. He plays that role very well. We are missing him a lot,” he said.
Emon also spoke about young all rounder Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, who is only two matches into his international career. He urged people not to put too much pressure on the youngster.
“There are expectations on him, but he has only played two international matches. It is better not to expect too much too soon,” Emon said.
“Hopefully, if Allah wills, he will be able to make good use of his opportunities in the next matches.”
Bangladesh now trail 2-0 in the three match series and will try to finish the series with a win in the final T20I.
