Inability to utilise powerplay the reason behind downfall: Riyad

Batting once again let Bangladesh down during their 35-run defeat against West Indies in the second of their three-match T20I series in Dominica on Sunday.

Bangladesh were in all sorts of trouble right from the start of a 194-run chase as the Tigers were reduced to 23 for three after Anamul Haque (3), Liton Das (5) and captain Mahmudullah Riyad (11) departed for cheap scores.

The visitors managed to reach 44 for three during the powerplay. But according to skipper Mahmudullah, it was far from what Bangladesh needed while in chase of such a challenging total.

"When you chase a target of over 190 runs, it is very important to have a good start. You must score 50-60 runs in the first powerplay and only then you will remain in the game. We lost three wickets in the first six overs and added 44 runs. I think that's where we fell behind in the chase," Mahmudullah told the media after the game.

For Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan was the lone warrior, smashing an unbeaten 68 off 52 deliveries with five fours and three sixes as he added 55 runs with Afif Hossain for the fourth wicket to help the Tigers avoid a humiliating defeat.

According to Mahmudullah, the Tigers would need to play as a unit in order to improve their fortune in the shortest format of the game.

"The type of T20 team we are, I think we need to play as a unit. We need to fill up those small areas and contribute accordingly. And only then can we perform well as a team. So far, I realised that this [playing as a unit] is our strength because whenever we play as a unit,  whether it's the first game of the series or the second, we remain charged up and gain momentum in the series.

"However, at times, we don't get good starts. I am not saying that we can't overcome such a situation but if we start well, it gives us the advantage and that is something we have been struggling with in the last few games," he said.