ICC World T20 2016: Mahmudullah says his senseless mistake was the prime reason for loss against India

A few matches into the IPL season, the hangover of the World T20 2016 simply refuses to fade away. While the West Indian players are on a high after ending the tournament as deserving champions, teams which got knocked out in close encounters are still finding it tough to get over the disappointment.

The most disappointing and incredible defeat was perhaps suffered by Bangladesh when they lost to India in a thrilling encounter at Bengaluru. Chasing 147 for victory Bangladesh had looked well on course of victory until they lost the match falling agonisingly short by 1 run in the last over.

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza was terribly upset at the outcome of the match and had said "Everyone is upset back home. It was really disappointing to lose. Playing in India, in front of 40,000 people, we could not chase down two (runs) of three balls -- which was shocking."

One of the most talked about moments from that match was the dismissal of Mahmudullah Riyad off the penultimate delivery of that innings which swung the match in India's favour. The experienced 30-year old all-rounder received a lot of flak for not being sensible and choosing to go for a big shot that led to his downfall.

Mahmudullah does not seem to have got over his mistake and now seems to have taken responsibility for that unlikely defeat. Speaking to bdnews24.com on Tuesday, Mahmudullah said, “it's actually my fault. I made a senseless mistake and was responsible for the defeat."

He also re-asserted the fact that going into the last over, no one thought Bangladesh would lose that match and the unthinkable had happened after that.

"Can I forget what happened? Not for once did we think we wouldn't win when we needed two runs off three balls with myself and Mushfiqur at the crease. To be honest, I couldn't believe Mushfiqur would get out after hitting two fours. Then I got out.

"It was my fault, he said. “It was a huge chance to beat India in India, but we couldn't take it. It was heart-breaking for all of us." He also conceded that it was the right kind of delivery to play that shot but he would be more careful in the future if such an occasion arrives again.

"The ball was there to be hit for sixes but I missed. Still there was hope. I thought we could get at least one run off the last ball. It didn't happen, and it was my fault. I wanted to finish the game off. I can't go back and do it again. But I will try to take the safer option next time I face such a situation," he said.

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Indian skipper MS Dhoni had said, "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. It's 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."

Mahmudullah had later shared Dhoni's comment on his Facebook wall and received a lot of support from his fans. He, however, might have just taken the burden off his stinging conscience by apologising to his fans now.

"I just want to say - I apologise to everyone. I am yet to say officially something after that match…I will try to handle such situation smartly in the future," he said.