Legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar believes the Rohit Sharma-led side not scoring 70-80 more runs is the chief reason behind them losing the first ODI to Bangladesh by a solitary wicket at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Mirpur.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite having a line-up where batting resources were available till number nine, India had a disappointing time with the bat on a slow pitch, skittled for a paltry 186 in 41.2 overs, barring KL Rahul, who made a fine 73 off 70 balls.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Left-arm spin all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan used his line, length and crease well to pick 5\/36 on a tricky pitch for the batters while fast-bowler Ebadot Hossain was consistent in his usage of short balls to scalp 4\/47.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gavaskar also refused to believe that Rahul's dropped catch of Mehidy Hasan Miraz when the batter was on 15 in the 43rd over played a decisive role in India's loss. "You can't really say that was it. Because yes, I think that was the last wicket. That should have made the match over."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"But the fact that India scored 186, I think you are going to look at that as well. I think India didn't score 70-80 more runs is the reason why they lost," Gavaskar said to broadcasters Sony Sports Network after the match ended.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India took a wicket on the very first ball in their defence of 186 and triggered a Bangladesh collapse from 128\/4 to 136\/9 in a span of 26 balls. But Mehidy made an unbeaten 38 and stitched an unbeaten last-wicket stand of 51 off 41 balls with Mustafizur Rahman being ten not out to give Bangladesh a heroic victory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"The bowlers did wonderfully well, to get themselves in a position where they were 136-9. And then Mehidy Hasan Miraj came, they had a bit of luck with that drop catch, but he played really well. He played sensibly. They took the attack to the opposition and played some bold shots," observed Gavaskar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He further felt that with the required run-rate not being so high, Bangladesh also made things difficult for themselves by being over-cautious in the middle, before Mehidy and Mustafizur took them over the line with four overs to spare.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"When you are asked to chase less than 4 runs an over. Like Bangladesh were asked to chase, automatically, the pressure comes down. Bangladesh made it difficult for themselves by playing ultra cautiously. That's what got them into trouble."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He further felt that with the required run-rate not being so high, Bangladesh also made things difficult for themselves by being over-cautious in the middle, before Mehidy and Mustafizur took them over the line with four overs to spare.<\/p>\r\n\r\n