DHAKA, Sept 6: Millions of Bangladeshis glued to television sets at homes, offices and the streets were sent into a gloom after their cricket team lost to Pakistan by one wicket in the closely-fought third Test on Saturday.

“I’m really depressed and sad as I had hoped for a win even when Pakistan needed 25 runs to win,” said businessman Fuzail Alam after his team’s defeat at Multan, Pakistan, which helped the hosts clinch the series 3-0.

Bangladesh had a gilt-edged opportunity to post their historic maiden Test victory when they reduced Pakistan, chasing a 261-run target, to 205-8 at one stage.

Alam, however, lauded his side for putting in one of their best performances in Test cricket.

“The problem is our team is inexperienced and just could not cope with the pressure, but they played good cricket,” said Alam, who played club cricket for Dhaka in the 1980s.

“One should not also forget the questionable umpiring which cost Bangladesh dearly in this match,” he said.

A number of umpiring decisions had been questioned by Dhaka dailies.—AFP