Afridi was the difference between both sides: Mortaza

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Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said that Pakistan left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi’s spell sealed 94-run victory for the Men in Green over Bangladesh in 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup match at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday.

While speaking at the post-match press conference, the Bangladesh captain was full of praise for the teenage pacer.

“Shaheen bowled very well, which was the difference between the two teams,” said Mortaza. “He looked really sharp today. He has been bowling fast but he was faster today. His cutter was really working.”

Mortaza admitted he needs time to decide his future amid speculation he will retire or resign following his team's World Cup exit.

"My future plan is obviously going home from here, and then I'll rethink," he told reporters.

Bangladesh had already been eliminated from the race to qualify for the semi-finals, but had hoped to finish the tournament on a high note.

Instead, they succumbed to a limp defeat that left them with three wins from nine matches in the tournament.

Asked how he rated Bangladesh's campaign, Mashrafe conceded they had been exposed at times in their sloppy fielding, while his bowlers found it hard to thrive in English conditions.

"I think the players tried their best. As I said, there were a few areas we could improve a lot. We knew what our weaknesses were," he said.

"If we play in Asia, I think it will be a far better bowling site than here. So we need to find our best ways to bowl them out or maybe restrict them.

"Batting hasn't been an issue before the World Cup. I think the boys are clear what they can do. Fielding is the part that players can change. We really need to improve fielding."

The World Cup's round-robin format has received mixed reviews, but Mashrafe relished the opportunity for Bangladesh to play all the top sides.

"That format I loved, because every team has been exposed to everyone else. And to be honest I think some people will not be very happy with that," he said.