We knew we can defend 205: Shakib

Mirpur, Feb 25 (PTI) Bangladesh suffered a mighty scarebefore winning their World Cup match against Ireland today butcaptain Shakib-al-Hasan said that his side were confident thatthey would defend the low score of 205.

"I did not say anything to the boys. But all of them saidwe will defend the 205 and win by 20 runs. It came out true,"said a visibly happy Shakib.

"We had the belief that we would win the match. We showedthe character and that is the best thing for us in the matchesahead," he said.

Shakib conceded that his batsmen failed but praised thebowlers, especially pacer Shafiul Islam who took 4/21.

"We did not bat well but the bowlers brought us back andwe fielded very well. The ball was not doing much today butstill the bowlers maintained the discipline. It is great forthe team.

"Shafiul Islam was expensive in the first spell but weknew what he can do. So he came back strongly in his secondspell. He won the game for us," said the Bangladesh captain.

Man-of-the-match Tamim Iqbal said his side was aiming fora quarterfinal berth but will have to improve theirperformance in the matches ahead.

"All credit to bowlers, we did not bat well. We areaiming for a quarterfinal berth but we have to improve ourperformance. The next game up is against West Indies and wehave We have ," said the opener who made a 43-ball 44.

"I am happy for my performance in the tournament so far.

I am hoping for a big hundred against West Indies," he said.

Ireland captain William Porterfield said his side was inthe run chase till the 15th over but slipped after that.

"We were on course of the run chase till the 15th overbut after that we slipped. We can''t afford to do this in thematches to come. There are matches coming up and we hope to dobetter," he said.