Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott on Saturday expressed his displeasure over the outfield at the HPCA Stadium, saying it was sheer fortune that some of the players did not pick up niggles while fielding.

Afghanistan lost to Bangladesh by six wickets in a low-scoring contest.

During the match cricketers from both the sides slipped on a patchy outfield on more than one occasion while chasing the ball.

“I just think if you’ve got players unsure of whether they can dive...when you’ve got players worried about getting injured, I mean, we’re lucky Mujeeb (ur Rahman) hasn’t got a serious knee injury.

“I think it was Devon Conway from New Zealand early on as well (slipping on the field,” Trott said during the post-match press meet.

“So, something for them (officials) to look at. But I’m definitely not putting any blame on that (for the team’s defeat), but that’s something to keep an eye on for the future,” added Trott.

Bangladesh bowlers put up an impressive performance, bowling out Afghanistan for 156 after skipper Shakib-al Hasan won the toss and opted to field at the picturesque venue.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (57) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (59 not out) then struck respective half-centuries to take Bangladesh over the line as they finished at 158 for four in 34.4 overs, winning by six wickets and more than 15 overs to spare.

Earlier, opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scored for Afghanistan with a 62-ball 47 in an otherwise ordinary outing with the bat.

Shakib and Mehidy were the most successful bowlers, picking up three wickets each as the Afghan innings folded in 37.2 overs.

Mehidy said that he dreams of replicating his 2016 U-19 World Cup performance on the big stage. He had then aggregated 242 runs and picked 12 wickets.

“If I can perform all-round in a big tournament, it will be a huge achievement for me and for the team as well. I certainly have that dream of translating the performance of the 2016 U-19 World Cup,” Mehidy told reporters.

Brief scores: Afghanistan 156 in 37.2 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 47; Shakib-al Hasan 3-30, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 3/25). Bangladesh 158/4 in 34.4 overs (Najmul Shanto 58 n.o., Mehidy Hasan Miraz 57; Fazalhaq Farooqi 1/19). Bangladesh won by 6 wickets.

Written with PTI inputs