Defeat against Bangladesh ‘tough to take’ for Scotland’s Preston Mommsen at Cricket World Cup

Six-wicket loss to Bangladesh was Scotland's fourth in as many games at the World Cup – despite some strong performances.

Tamim Iqbal of Bangladesh pulls the ball away for four runs during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and Scotland at Saxton Field on March 5, 2015 in Nelson, New Zealand. Photo bShow more

Nelson, New Zealand // Scotland captain Preston Mommsen was a frustrated man after his side suffered their fourth defeat in as many matches at this World Cup with a six-wicket loss to Bangladesh in Nelson on Thursday.

The Scots, one of four non-Test nations taking part in the tournament, made a competitive 318 for eight – their highest World Cup total – with Kyle Coetzer’s 156 the first World Cup century by a Scotland batsman.

But Bangladesh still won with 11 balls to spare, finishing on 322 for four with Tamim Iqbal (95), Mahmudullah (62), Mushfiqur Rahim (60) and Shakib Al Hasan (52 not out) all making fifties in what was the second-highest successful World Cup chase of all-time.

Defeat ended Scotland’s hopes of making the quarter-finals as the most number of points they can now take from their remaining two matches, against Sri Lanka and Australia, is four and there are four sides above them in Pool A with five or more points.

The top four in each of the two groups of seven qualify for the last eight.

“It was tough to take,” said Mommsen. “We did a lot of things right but we couldn’t put the full package together. We were happy with 318 but we knew it was still a good wicket.

“We couldn’t create enough chances to take 10 wickets out there. I tried to keep things fresh and keep the batsmen guessing but they managed the run-chase really well.”

Turning to Coetzer’s superb century, Mommsen said: “It was a huge moment for Kyle Coetzer and for Scotland, it was brilliant to see him at his best.”

Coetzer added: “It’s been nice to score a few runs but at the end of the day it’s the result of the game -- and that’s disappointing today.

“The guys will be a bit distraught up there – we worked so hard and we feel like we’ve deserved that win in the World Cup.”

Victory for Bangladesh left them fourth in Pool A, three points ahead of England who they play in Adelaide on Monday in what will be a key match for both sides’ quarter-final ambitions.

“The boys have done really well,” said Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza.

“Tamim was outstanding and Mushfiqur and Shakib were brilliant at the end.

“It will be difficult against England but we will do our best,” he added.