There was plenty of talk before the match about Afghanistan threatening to upset Bangladesh in the World Twenty20 opener, but at least one man was unaffected.
All-rounder Sakib al Hasan claimed that he was more relaxed before this match, a game that Bangladesh had to win if they were to keep the party alive, than on any other day.
One had no choice but to believe Sakib after his brilliant performance in claiming 3-8 to play a big part in Bangladesh’s crushing nine-wicket win.
‘I think I was more relaxed before this game than any other match previously,’ Sakib said during the post-match press conference.
‘I think our whole team knew that we will win and it will be a one-sided game.’
‘I was about to throw a banana skin in the bin, I said if it falls inside, they will score 40 and if it doesn’t they will make 80. They made 72.’
Sakib blamed media for making too much fuss out one defeat in the Asia Cup and said they had little doubt about their success over the side in the
World Twenty20.
‘A lot has been said about the Asia Cup defeat, and credit goes to you,’ Sakib said, pointing towards the media in attendance.
‘I have always said that if we play to our potential, Afghanistan won’t stand a chance. It can happen once in a while.’
Sakib translated his self-belief into the performance he gave the Tigers in his eventful second over, which earned two wickets.
Afghanistan were never in the contest after that over, which saw one catch dropped and the ball missing the stumps at least twice. The Afghans, who were clueless against Sakib and the other Bangladeshi spinners, were finally dismissed for their lowest ever score before the host batsmen completed the rout.
‘The pressure has been relieved,’ Sakib said after the match. ‘It was important to start off well, so I am happy and relieved.’
‘It is very important for the tournament that we qualify for the main round. If the host team is not playing, there will be shortage of crowd. If we win the next two games and qualify, it will be a good tournament overall.’
Sakib said Bangladesh’s only fear before the game was the lack of knowledge about the Afghan players, who have hardly had an opportunity against top opposition. They played four matches in the recent Asia Cup but fielded a changed line-up with several players unknown to the Bangladeshis.
Sakib insisted they were prepared for it and it did not come as any surprise.
‘It is slightly difficult playing against teams like Afghanistan,’ said Sakib. ‘You don’t know what’s coming your way. Someone from seven or eight can blast the bowlers, or someone can suddenly bowl well.
‘It would have been wrong making a prediction against them, so it was important for us to do well by ourselves,’ said Sakib.
‘We got the momentum once Mashrafee [bin Murtaza] got us a wicket in the first ball. The two run-outs were vital, both were good batsmen.
‘Though we dropped a catch, our fielding was good overall. Riyad bhai [Mahmudullah] took two good catches. It usually lifts the morale of the team, which is important for a T20 game,’ said Sakib.
BRIEF SCORES
Afghanistan 72 in 17.1 overs (G Naib 21, Shafiqullah 16, K Sadiq 10; Sakib 3-8, Razzak 2-20) v Bangladesh 78-1 in 12.0 overs (Anamul 44 not out, Tamim 21, Sakib 10 not out).
Result: Bangladesh won by 9 wickets.
Man of the match: Sakib al Hasan (Bangladesh)
-With New Age input
