Mohammad Ashraful made 53 for the Dhaka Gladiators
Simply not enough runs. Those are the true facts about the match against KRB.
Batting first we were expecting to post 160-180 and started very quickly with a RR of over 10. Sadly the stupid run out of Azhar Mahmood when he was looking tremendous was the turning point of the momentum in our innings. No one else really got going and Ash played a responsible innings to bat through as long as he could.Â
Being 20-30 runs short meant that KRB were never going to be under much pressure and despite two early wickets, it meant that the KRB batsmen could almost have a net. This was a new pitch and the ball didn't really turn much as it had done the night before. The spinners were ineffective therefore and after the initial swing in the new ball, it became almost impossible to defend such a low total without being to apply any pressure.
We were truly smacked today and it hurts. The BPL is a tough competition to call either way now with so many results and reversals. KRB outplayed us in all 3 departments today and my only comment is, if you are going to perform under par, the it's best to do it now and all at once.
We have already put this match behind us after having a frank discussion in the dressing room. There is no room in T20 for complacency. The issues have been identified. Next match against Sylhet I expect a far, far better performance.
Team spirit is still excellent and we are ready to go again.