It will be the last opportunity for Bangladesh to salvage some pride. Bangladesh cricket in recent time did not get so embarrassed for continued pathetic performances .They were completely blown out by strong South Africa in the test and ODI series.
Bangladesh received comprehensive white wash. They could not even create any contest. Bowlers struggled although and could not even create any contest, batting was horribly spineless. The morale of the entire team dropped down to low ebb. Off the field controversies did not help the cause as well. Finally in the first T20 against a depleted South African bowling attack Bangladesh showed some fight.
Chasing a steep target of 196 for a probable win it could reach as far as 175/9. Bowlers in some spells bowled well restricting flamboyant South African batsmen to a chase able target. Soumya gave a rollicking start raising expectation for a win at last. But middle order failed to carry on playing too many strokes at times when consolidation through rotating strokes could have been the key. Rookie all rounder Saifuddin impressed with his quality stroke play. But his spirited aggressive batting could only reduce the margin of the defeat. By that time asking rate went well beyond grasp.
If only one among the top 5 could bat till the end victory was not impossible. Anyway there is no disgrace in going down fighting. Such defeats even raise morale. Hope Bangladesh would give better account of themselves in the last match and end the series well. After a win less 6 matches a win in the last match could mean a lot.
Whether or not Bangladesh can achieve that requires extensive brain storming .For the first time in six matches Bangladeshi bowlers could bowl well in spells. Mehedi Miraz, Shakib and Mahmudullah teamed up well to restrict protean middle order after their openers gave them a flying start. At a stage 230 -240 appeared to be in their reach. Only some last minute lusty hitting by Behardin could make them reach 195. Rubel and Saifuddin in the death overs bowled well.
Bangladesh started well as Soumya after a long time was in his true element. He played some glorious aggressive strokes bringing memories back of his early days in international cricket .However his partners Kayes, Shakib, Mushfiq, Mahmuduallh left early one by one. He himself fell to a marginal LBW DRS decision. If he could stay another 5 overs or any of the top 5 could stay a bit longer Bangladesh could win the match. Most satisfying that young all rounder Saifuddin showed lot of promise.
Bangladesh desperately need a pace bowling all rounder. He tried his best in his cameo unbeaten innings. But he did not have required support at the other end. Finally home team recorded yet another 20 runs win making it 6 in 6 with one to play. Bangladesh would do better taking a lesson from South Africans. Even in T20 rotating the strikes, turning singles into twos are essential to keep the score board ticking. Dot balls are killers in T20s.
Bangladesh has its morale recovered to some extent. Soumya, Mehedi and Saifuddin showed them the way. Mominul should be given opportunity at top order. He is a class act. He has been unnecessarily given stigma as test player only. Given opportunity he won’t do as bad as many. Rest of the team looks OK. Shakib, Mushfiq and Mahmudullah must should the team and one of them must play the sheet anchors role around which batting must rotate. .
It will be unfortunate if Bangladesh can not score well against the third string inexperienced South African bowling. Hope Tigers can return home with at least one win.
BDST: 1009 HRS, OCT 28, 2017
SI
