India 302 for 6 (Rohit Sharma 137, Suresh Raina 65, Taskin Ahmed 3-69) beat Bangladesh 193 (Nasir Hossain 35, Sabbir Rahman 30, Soumya Sarkar 29, Mushfiqur Rahim 27, Umesh Yadav 4-31, Mohammad Shami 2-37) by 109 runs

ICC’s cash cow India managed to roll over shell shocked Bangladesh by a big margin of 109 runs at MCG yesterday (Thursday) when several controversial umpiring decisions tainted the integrity of the beautiful game of cricket which millions admire and adore.

India scored a huge 302/6 and Bangladesh could respond with 193. Bangladesh was very much in the game till 40th over of the Indian innings. India was 196 for three at that time. One very critical umpiring mistake (deliberate?) made a huge difference. India added over 100 runs in the 10 overs of which about 50 percent came from Rohit Sharma’s bat.

I would like to quote from Cricinfo what happened.

“That the eventual margin of victory was huge should not take anything away from the significance of the umpiring blunder. India had only just started to look threatening with 41 runs in 4.3 overs of the batting Power play when Rohit hit a full toss straight down deep midwicket's throat. This was the time when for a split second Bangladesh thought they could work at wresting back the control, but to their horror they saw square-leg umpire Aleem Dar had called a no-ball. 

Replays showed Rohit had met the ball waist-high well in front of his normal stance, and the ball was on its way down. Not only was it not a no-ball, it was inconsistent that the on-field umpire made such a hurried call when extreme caution has been the norm. Nine out of 10 times in modern cricket, Rohit would have been given out after replays; this just happened to be that other occasion.”

Bangladesh played two and lost two matches at MCG. The first was Poll A match against Sri Lanka where poor team strategy, diabolic fielding mistakes, and splendid batting by Sri Lankan icon batsmen cost them the match. Yesterday in front of three quarter capacity crowd at MCG deliberate mistakes of two elite umpires paved the way for sad exit of Bangladesh from World cup. We will never say that Bangladesh would have knocked out India if not few erroneous umpiring decisions were made. But the match could be more competitive.

Bangladesh had their own failures and mistakes too. Kayes should not have been in the starting eleven. Mashrafe should not have bowled full quota of 10 overs on the day. Bangladesh made many crucial mistakes while fielding, Mushfiqur missed stumping opportunities, fielders did not go for some possible catches, field setting was terrible. Tamim and Shakib batted very irresponsibly. Players looked panicked. Perhaps too many cooks in the team management soiled the show for Bangladesh.

Winning the toss and batting on a flat deck was a huge advantage for India. But tight bowling by Bengal tigers kept Indians on the check. Mashrafe was looking pretty ordinary on the day. But Taskin, Rubel and Nasir bowled well. Bengal tigers did not let Indian batsmen bat with usual flamboyance. Dhawan, Kohli and Rahane all fell to good bowling. At 115/3 in 28th over it appeared a game on.

Rohit was playing cautiously. Raina changed the tempo of the match. He could be removed if Bangladeshi fielders were eager to go for few half chances that Raina offered here and three. Mushfiqur missed stumping opportunities. Mashrafe kept himself on through it was an off day for him. Soumya Sarkar and Shabbir could be tried to break Raina Rohit match winning partnership of 122. Raina’s 65 in 57 deliveries changed the complexion of the match. Bangladesh was badly hurt from Allem Dar’s crucial blunder of letting Rohit play despite of being clearly out striking a high full toss. Rohit himself will be ashamed when he will see the video. India went on scoring 302/6. A very difficult target to chase against quality Indian bowling .The damage was done.

Bangladesh required taking risks. It is never easy batting under lights at MCG in front of sizeable crowd. Tamim started briskly chancing his arms. Imrul looked panicked. Two openers were back in the pavilion too early. Tamim was looking Ok but trying to play one stroke too many he sacrificed himself when discretion was essential in his batting. Kayes ran himself out for his own follies. Kayes should not have been in the side. Team management did cruel injustice to Mominul. When a team loses openers too early chasing a huge score against a very strong team it becomes almost impossible to challenge the target. 

However, inform Mahmudullah and Soumya were batting sensibly till another controversial umpiring decision put paid to Bangladesh effort. Riyad played an upper cut which Shikhar Dhawan grabbed at the fence in the third attempt and TV replay showed evidence that his feet touched the rope while the ball was in his hands during the second attempt. Riyad-Sarkar partnership just started flourishing at that stage. Bangladesh run rate was comparable till then. That controversial decision again hurt Bangladesh badly. Shakib looked subdued and careless in his approach. This was a match when Bangladesh expected its top dog to bark loudly. But sadly enough it did not. Mushfiqur, Sabbir and Nasir tried their best but those efforts were not enough. Bangladesh had already lost the match to evil design of ICC and their own follies.

Some media statement showed angry reactions of BCB President and ICC President. But who cares these puppets. ICC wants its cash cow BCCI continue milking for them. India has to appear in the final may be even at the expense of home team who knows.

We cannot blame Bangladesh players much. They played wonderfully entertaining cricket in this world cup. They were the reasons of joy for the entire nation at home and abroad. Melbourne looked a festive city for few days leading up to the match and on the match day. NRBs coming to MCG from all over the world added color and glamour. A musical program organised before the match at fan corner at Federation Sqaure made many of us nostalgic, Tiger parade was impressive. Many NRBs traveled to Melbourne for the match. It was only possible for credible performance of Mashrafe squad. Bravo tigers you made us proud. 

Bangladesh Cricket team played twice at MCG. I am not sure when Bangladesh will get another opportunity to play here soon or even in our life time. In bilateral series Bangladesh team may not play at MCG. I am not saying Bangladesh would have won against India. They are superior side in all count. But the umpiring blunders made Bangladesh task impossible to compete. Something must be done by somebody too soon or cricket will lose.

BCB must also stop boot leaking of BCCI and demonstrate self-respect and dignity. Government of Bangladesh must look into BCB affairs. Though players made Bangladesh proud with splendid performances many off field controversies of team officials and management caused internal bleeding. There were colossal wastages of money and resources. Many ordinary persons enjoyed the hospitality of BCB during the World Cup. 

Bye bye tigers from our beautiful Melbourne City. Bye bye tigers from Australia and New Zealand. Many memories go down the lane but the memories of tigers roaring down under will continue to make Bangladeshis nostalgic for a long time. Cricket and cricketers created bondage for Bangladeshi nation, made Bangladesh known to sporting world. We have our hats off to these wonderful ambassadors of Bangladesh.

BDST: 0858 HRS, MAR 20, 2015