Shakib Al Hasan conceded Bangladesh's hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals were all but over after a crushing 149-run defeat by South Africa in Mumbai on Tuesday.
The Proteas piled up 382-5 after winning the toss, with Quinton de Kock making 174 -- his third century of the tournament -- and Heinrich Klaasen a rapid 90.
South Africa, briefly wobbling at 36-2, ran riot with 144 runs off their last 10 overs.
Bangladesh then collapsed to 58-5, with only Mahmudullah's 111 preventing an even larger margin of defeat.
As it is, Bangladesh have now suffered four defeats in five games and sit rock-bottom of the 10-team group.
"We'd still like to finish up the table, if not semi-finalists then fifth or sixth," said Shakib, returning from a thigh injury that forced him out of a defeat by India.
Bangladesh, who'd won three of their four previous one-day internationals against South Africa, made a decent start.
"Yes, I thought we bowled well for the first 25 overs, got three wickets and they were going at five-an-over," said Shakib.
"Then they kicked on, I thought Quinton de Kock batted really well and the way Heinrich Klaasen finished it off, we didn't have any answers to it."
Shakib, now in his fifth World Cup, had a match to forget, the left-arm spinner returning expensive figures of 1-69 in nine overs before falling for just one.
"We should have bowled better but we lost our plans in the last 10 overs," said the 36-year-old all-rounder. "That's where we lost the game."
As for whether Mahmudullah and fellow middle-order veteran Mushfiqur Rahim should be promoted up the order, Shakib said: "They're doing their roles well but our top four or five are not scoring runs, need to score more runs so we can get more out of them."
The 37-year-old Mahmudullah added: "I have seen a lot of ups and downs throughout my career. (Batting down the order) is fine.
"Yesterday the coach (Chandika Hathurusingha) told me that I was batting at No 6. I went out there and played my game".
Shakib, looking at the tournament as a whole, said: "South Africa, India and New Zealand are the three teams that look like they can win the title. But anything can happen...There's still a long way to go.
"There is a lot to learn and a lot to play for. For the (2025) Champions Trophy, we have to be in the top eight (in the ODI standings) and that's important."
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