Shakib Al Hasan preferred to see a Hindi movie rather than watch West Indies bat against England in a Group B match which could have sent his team into the World Cup quarter-finals.
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan preferred to see a Hindi movie rather than watch West Indies bat against England in a Group B match which could have sent his team into the World Cup quarter-finals.
The entire country was glued to events in Chennai as the men from the Caribbean attempted to chase down a target of 244 to beat England and secure their last eight spot on Thursday.
However, they lost by 18 runs giving England a lifeline and leaving co-hosts Bangladesh needing to beat group leaders South Africa in Dhaka on Saturday to secure their passage.
Hasan did not join the millions of his countrymen praying for a West Indian victory on the television. At least, not through to the bitter end.
"I watched them when Chris Gayle was batting. After that I watched a Hindi movie," Shakib said at a news conference on Friday.
The West Indian opener Gayle looked likely to demolish England's hopes with a whirlwind 43 off just 27 balls before newcomer James Tredwell undid him with a straightening delivery to capture him lbw. For Shakib, cue Bollywood.
On Friday, he did his best to give the impression that he and his Bangladesh team mates had taken the thrilling events in Chennai in their stride ahead of their must-win match.
"Had it happened (a West Indies win) it would have been easier for us but now we have to our do it on our own to achieve that," he said coolly.
Shakib took his confidence from wins against England and Netherlands in their previous two matches.
"South Africa are a better side than us in every aspect," he said. "But it is a one-day game and every team will have 50 overs in their possession.
"So we can take the chance and I believe no matter how big a team is, they have to work hard to beat us especially in our own (sub-continental) conditions," he said.
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