The day after the opening match of the World Cup has been one full of sighs and yawns, the lack of interest and people around the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, the premise so much in vogue over the last week or so, could be interpreted in many ways but it would be too hasty to suggest that all is lost for the Tigers.
Nor is the tournament over but after Saturday’s fervour, it is safe to say that the thousands at the stadium and the millions who celebrated the arrival of the World Cup in Bangladesh, are simply catching up on some shut-eye. The last week has seen an unparalleled level of excitement among the people, who were counting down the clock.
India overpowered a good Bangladesh unit by 87 runs that had one of its elements break down completely and it is the general perception that the lop-sided affair was just a one-off, given the decision at the toss was also questionable.
There were some positives from the game, Bangladesh’s score of 283 being the major one and so was the approach adopted to chase the massive 371-run target. Imrul Kayes set the ball rolling, his bold approach surprising many including his opening partner. “On his day, he [Imrul Kayes] can bat beautifully. I think he is taking his game to the next level where he wants to play more shots,” said Tamim Iqbal yesterday.
The partnership was of 56 runs in just 6.5 overs, but the pair’s approach took everyone by surprise. While Imrul tore into the Indian bowlers, Tamim was circumspect. The left-handed pair added 56 off only 6.5 overs with Imrul surprisingly taking more of the bowling and hitting out.
“This is how a team plan works. I wasn’t having a good day. I wasn’t timing the ball and was hitting the fielders. So there were two options for me.
“Either I could have hit out in that situation and got out, or I could stick around, making sure I ride out the tough moments. I caught up with the strike-rate in the end. Sachin Tendulkar came to our dressing room last year and told us this exact same thing.
“When the going gets tough, you have to stick around and then again, there will be days when everything you hit will be fours and sixes. I spoke to him this morning and he said he was impressed,” explained Tamim.
Shakib Al Hasan’s contentious decision to bowl first drew ire in some quarters, but within his team there was unmitigated support, with his deputy leading the way. “I totally agree with the decision,” he said Tamim, “India would have done the same and since our strength are the spinners, the dew would have been troublesome even if we had made 350 and our spinners couldn’t bowl.”
Tamim confirmed that it was a collective judgment, calling it a ‘team decision’. “We felt bad but we didn’t execute our plans. They gave us no chance, played solid cricket,” he said.
For the build up to the Ireland game, Tamim believes that bowlers like Shafiul Islam, who had a woeful game against India, and Abdur Razzak would bounce back. “We have to cut down on the bad balls, simple as that. [Abdur Razzak] Raj bhai and [Shafiul Islam] Suhash are good enough bowlers,” he added.
Courtesy of The Daily Star
