Mortaza hints at frustration over Rohit no-ball

Matthew Rogerson

Mortaza hints at frustration over Rohit no-ball image

After Rohit Sharma's 137 helped India to a 109-run victory against Bangladesh at the Cricket World Cup, Mashrafe Mortaza kept his counsel as to a no-ball given midway through the batsman's innings.

In the 40th over of Rohit's maiden World Cup century, he was caught off Rubel Hossain, before square-leg umpire Aleem Dar deemed it a no-ball.

The delivery was ruled to be above Rohit's waist but, after he continued to 137 to send Bangladesh on their way out, captain Mortaza refused to explicitly criticise the decision.

"Everyone saw what happened in the middle. I don't want to say anything about this," he told reporters.

"It could have been [more competitive had Rohit been given out]. Against India always we know that we have to take wickets, otherwise it is going to be very difficult.

"At that stage if he got out, Rohit, it would be great, but I think I can't say anything in here, but you all have seen what's going on there."

Alongside Rohit, Suresh Raina's 65 helped India into the semi-finals, where they will face Pakistan or Australia.

"Sadly, Suresh take the game from us, also. I have to say that Rohit was brilliant today," Mortaza added.

"Raina is always effective. I think Rohit was brilliant. He got the hundred, a brilliant hundred.

"I don't know who will come in the semis from Australia and Pakistan match, but definitely it will be a very good match.

"Whoever plays against India, it will be a very good match."

Mortaza was later suspended for a one-day international match and fined 40 per cent of his match fee due to Bangladesh maintaining a slow over rate, with the rest of the side were fined 20 per cent of their match fees.

Matthew Rogerson