‘Bangladeshis just don’t turn up in ICC events’

 Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer has criticised Bangladesh's poor performances in ICC tournaments, stating that the Tigers "don't turn up" in major events.

"We've only seen probably Shakib [Al Hasan] with that 2019 [ODI] World Cup where he was a standout player. But I don't know if it's the pressure that gets to them or they put too much pressure on themselves, they just don't turn up," Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo yesterday.

Bangladesh suffered their second consecutive defeat in the ICC Champions Trophy, falling to a five-wicket loss against New Zealand in Rawalpindi.

Despite a steady start, Bangladesh failed to capitalise, with four of their batters gifting their wickets to off-spinner Michael Bracewell. Jaffer, who previously worked with the Bangladesh team as a batting coach, was frustrated by the shot selection of the senior players.

"Even the shot selection we've seen today [Monday] was very disappointing. Mushfiqur playing that shot, Mahmudullah playing that wild shot. And this is a must-win game. You want them to step up in these kinds of games and make themselves count. So that's been the story in the ICC events, unfortunately."

"They could have easily put 300-plus on that pitch. They have got themselves to blame. It is too much to ask from the bowling unit to get a team like New Zealand all out for below 240."

Bangladesh managed only 236-9, which New Zealand chased down with 23 balls to spare, thanks to a century from Rachin Ravindra.

With this defeat, Bangladesh are out of the running for a place in the semi-finals.