New Zealand 251 All Out (N Broom 109, Mashrafe 3/49) beat Bangladesh 184 All Out (Imrul Kayes 59, K Williamson 3/12) by 67 Runs.

DHAKA: Bangladesh lost back to back ODIs at Hagley Oval, Christchurch and Saxton Oval, Nelson in New Zealand. The three-match ODI series is now 2-0 in favour of the home side with the possibility of Kiwi Wash looming. Bangladesh Bangla washed New Zealand at home in not too distant past.

For a team growing into stature in world cricket such a performance was neither expected nor desirable. Controversial selection of touring squad leaving few experienced players back home favoring rookies, controversial selection of playing eleven and finally amateurish batting of key players all can be blamed for the defeat at Nelson. That happened after a commendable performance with the bat and the ball restricting home team to a score which was not beyond the reach if Bangladesh could bat with a plan.

When Bangladesh lost the Fist ODI at Hagley Oval Christchurch failing to chase a mammoth New Zealand score, tried consoling myself and others that New Zealand set target was way too much. Bangladesh bowled and fielded poorly letting New Zealand scoring 40-50 runs too many. In the very important do or die second match team appeared with three debutants. One Nurul Hasan Sohan had to be there replacing hamstrung Mushfique, Subashis replaced Mustafiz, who was given rest as he is not yet 100 percent match fit, and the third aging Tanbir Hayder, a weird selection.

Charismatic Captain Mashrafe led and inspired Bangladesh bowled and fielded like true tigers restricting New Zealand to a manageable score of 251. Opportunity for rewriting history emerged. Bangladesh started walking along the purple path with Kayes and Sabbir started unveiling the glorious footpath.

105/1 was the score at 22.5 overs chasing a target of 252-run in 50 overs. They required 146 runs off 163 balls with nine wickets in hand. No ICC full member team perhaps would have lost from such a situation on an easy paced wicket after negotiating the new ball attack so comfortably. But that was not the case for pathetic Bangladesh.

A terrible mix up let Sabbir and Kayes getting stranded at one end. That unfortunate and unprofessional way of getting run out triggered a dramatic collapse. Mahmudullah, however, got an unplayable in-swinging Yorker. But the rest, including Shakib, Kayes, Mosaddek, and the rest panicked.

Nine wickets went down for 79 runs. Off all persons, Kane Williamson with his friendly off-spin got three of those. Bangladesh lost by 67 runs. With 0-2 down Bangladesh is looking down the barrel with series whitewash looming.

It is not the first and the last time Bangladesh cricket team let dreams shatter. But the way it happened on Thursday (December 29) at picturesque Saxton Oval in Nelson shocked and rocked tiger fans around the glove.

Bangladesh Cricket team appeared to have overcome teething time in international cricket. It started winning and making winning a habit. Adoring fans cannot accept their cricket heroes committing suicide without showing any character and commitment. It was painful watching Tamim, Shakib, Mosaddek and even Kayes throwing their wicket away when a little discipline was the demand of the situation.

Looking back in retrospect we find Bangladesh winning the toss and electing to field under overcast sky in biting cold was on a roll. Captain Mashrafe was in his true elements. Dangerous Martin Guptil was consumed in the very first over. Bangladeshi bowlers especially the pacers were bowling at right length and line. Alongside Maskins (Mashrafe and Taskin) rookie Subashis was impressive. Shakib also struck early blows. Latham, Williamson, Nisham, Munro could not do much damage. Only NT Broom held the fort expertly. He too was given to many free bees by one Tanbir Hayder whose selection ahead of proven talent Mehedi Hasan Miraz was hotly debated. Even he was not to replace Soumya Sarkar at any cost.

We do not like to mention Nasir Hossain, who in our opinion must have featured in the team.

Broom brushed aside Bangladeshi efforts and put the backbone of Kiwis innings with a very effective 109-run. New Zealand went on setting a target of 252 for Bangladesh for rewriting the script. Many thought on a wicket where Bangladesh chased over 300 in 2015 defeating Scotland in ICC world cup was set for a first ever win against New Zealand in New Zealand. Ageless Mashrafe taking 3/49 was the peak of Bangladesh bowlers. Taskin and Shakib took two each. Even Subashis looked impressive on his debut. For reasons unknown Mashrafe did not use Mahmudullah although Tanbir in his eight overs leaked runs.

Bangladesh was expected to bat with a plan featuring patience. There was no hurry. Wicket had no venom. Only requirement was playing cool the new ball and setting a foundation. Tamim and Kayes started solidly. They looked comfortable till Tamim chose to throw his wicket dancing down the wicket to Southee. Sabbir joining Kayes weathering the storm were going smoothly. 101 runs were scored by the 23rd over when a terrible mix up let both batsmen stranded at one end trying for a cheeky unnecessary single. Sabbir departed.

Suddenly panic set in. Mahmudullah got a good delivery and in-swinging Yorker. The veteran Bangladeshi batsman the mainstay of Bangladesh batting in 2015 World Cup failed yet again. Unfortunately, Mushfique was missing at this stage to calm the situation. Ace all-rounder Shakib also did not deliver. He lost his wicket to an innocuous looking delivery of Kane Williamson, a part-time off-spinner. Kayes who was anchoring the Innings failed to carry on. When Mosaddek also failed to shoulder responsibility, it was a one-way traffic towards the pavilion. Tanbir was sent ahead of Sohan usually a far better batting talent. When Sohan and Mashrafe came, the battle was already lost.

It was a poor exhibition of characterless unprofessional batting. An unpardonable suicide. Bangladesh lost by 67 runs with a lot of time and balls to spare.

Adoring fans have every reason for questioning the wisdom of preferring players like Tanbir Hayder over tried and tested Nasir Hossain. Only stupid people can do that. Even if he was there he cannot be preferred over Mehedi Miraz. These Kiwis have four left-handers against whom Mehedi could have been very useful. Even much lesser bowler Williamson broke the backbone of Bangladesh batsmen. Even it was far better persisting with Soumya for another match. Time has come to investigate whether some person(s) are deliberately sabotaging the gains of Bangladesh cricket. It does not matter whoever it is.

With two of the three matches already lost a series whitewash is on the card. If that happens Bangladesh may not win anything even in the tour as winning test is beyond the question. In their backyard New Zealand is formidable in T20 also. Bangladesh cricket would nose dive if it digests the ignominy of a comprehensive whitewash.

Let us hope that efforts and commitments of Mashrafe won’t blow with the winds. The key players Tamim, Shakib and Mahmudullah must demonstrate greater commitments. Someone must clearly explain why Nasir Hossain is continuously being ignored? What is the issue with Rubel Hossain not being given opportunity? Why someone could not do counseling to Soumya regenerating his aptitude?

It is not easy winning matches in New Zealand. But when the opportunity comes those must be grabbed with both hands. All is however not lost yet. Bangladesh can still redeem. But for doing that, they must get over something that appears to be very wrong with team psyche.

BDST: 1104 HRS, DEC 30, 2016
SR