Bangladesh took consolation from batsman Shakib Al Hasan after his sizzling 84 ensured they bowed out of the World Twenty20 with their heads held high.
The left-hander slogged Pakistan’s bowlers all over the Pallekele stadium field, reaching the third highest score of the tournament so far, as Bangladesh set a challenging 175-6.
Big scores from Imran Nazir (72) and Mohammad Hafeez (45) ensured Pakistan got the win, and reached the Super Eights round, with room to spare.
But for Bangladesh, Hasan’s performance at least softened the blow of their latest failure on the world stage.
“He showed that he is our best player,” said captain Mushfiqur Rahim. “There is no doubt about it, it’s a privilege to play with him. He is probably the best player Bangladesh has ever produced in my opinion.”
The South Asian minnows also exited last year’s one-day World Cup in the first round, and Rahim said he felt sorry the rest of the team could not finish the job after Hasan’s innings.