Bangladesh Cricket
This World Cup is totally open. Almost every participating team is pushing hard and literally snatching wins! Leave the A teams, even the minnows are sweating and battling it out in the field. Ireland is seen doing well against top teams in all its encounters. So, have sometimes Bangladesh! And, today the tigers went in roaring and after almost collapsing, held nerves to win a thriller contest.
At one point in the game Bangladesh were standing tall at 155-3 in 30 overs chasing a measly 226 runs at Chittagong in this Group B match. They were cruising along had the game in the kitty. But, suddenly Swann and Shahzad stunned the tigers taking four wickets in between them. And, during this period the Bangla innings also slowed down a bit too much – The Bangladesh score at the end of 39.4 overs was 169 for the loss of 8 wickets. They appeared to have lost the road to victory.
But, the tailender Shafiul had some different plans. Came the 42nd over and he belted boundaries off Swann In the powerplay! Game on again guys! It seemed like the winning belief rejuvenated in the Bangla Tigers. And, this time there was no looking back. Shafiul and Mahmudullah together contributed 58 runs and led the Bangladesh team to victory with 6 balls to spare! And, Shakib who earlier contributed 32 runs had tears in his eyes.
Well, what a good day’s performance by the Tigers. All bowlers did well chipping in with one/two wickets and maintaining the economy below 5 mostly to restrict a good English batting line-up to 225 runs! Amongst the batsmen: Tamim played a much wanted cameo – 38 runs off 26 balls to set the rhythm right from the start of chase. Imrul Kayes, the other opener and alsotoday’s MOM, also played a fine stabilizing 60 run innings.
And, there was a good contribution by Extras from the irregular English bowling attack. They bowled in 33 extras which was a great support and help to Bangladesh batmen to relive pressure. The English earlier on a sluggish pitch somehow got to 225. Trott and Morgan were the ones who made significant contributions of 67 and 63 respectively. Else, the English batting roster looked spark-less and uneventful.
Now, England team will have to regroup and figure out what is wrong with their side. They have had tough luck losing every close encounter they have come across. And, have been a hotshot for creation of upsets this WC.
If England don’t wish to shatter their World Cup dream than they have to win their next encounter against West Indies in Chennai next week.
Tags: Bangla Tigers, Bangladesh, Chittagong, Cricket, England, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, World Cup
