India pulled off an unbelievable victory over Bangladesh on Wednesday by 1 run, and India captain MS Dhoni had some comforting words to offer to Bangladesh batsman Mahmudullah in the immediate aftermath.
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Mahmudullah came on as No. 6 in the 12th over, and looked set to easily take his team to victory in the last over, with only two runs to get after two boundaries in the first three balls of the final over. However, unfortunately for him, he went for the big shot instead of pushing the ball into the gap for a double, as a result getting caught out at deep mid-wicket. With no runs coming off the last three balls of the 20th over, Bangladesh lost the match despite having looked in command.
In the post-match presentation ceremony, Dhoni had a few words of consolation for Mahmudullah. He has been in the youngster’s shoes many times, and so is well qualified to speak on the nature of cricket and the narrow margin between a last-ball six and a last-ball wicket.
"Often it does, at times you look to finish it with the big shot. And if you think you have wickets in hand, you think others can finish it. And when you are batting well, you go for your shots. Its a learning for Mahmudullah. That's what cricket is all about, If that had gone for a six, it was a great shot. Great courage. That's what cricket is. I feel before you play the shot, that's when he has to decide,” said Dhoni.
Mahmudullah took Dhoni’s words to heart, and put up the quote on his own Facebook page, inviting a flood of comments supporting the Tigers and regarding how much the Bangladeshi players revere MS Dhoni.
"Often it does, at times you look to finish it with the big shot. And if you think you have wickets in hand, you think...
Posted by Mahmudullah Riyad on Wednesday, March 23, 2016
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