The same team with almost same composition appearing in own sparkling style swept away Zimbabwe in the opening match of Rocket Tri Nation ODI tournament.
It is not only winning by the wide margin of 8 wickets with almost half of the overs in tact it was the manner they won. Majestic Mashrafe yet again played his masterstroke putting visitors into bat after winning the toss.
On a cold winter day with dense fog making a hey day for seam and swing bowling he let his left arm spinning trump cards opening the attack much to the surprise of many. Stress free Team tigers free from remote control directives from some one looked hungry. All bowlers bowled with purpose, fielding elevated to great heights.
Shakib, Mashrafe, Mustafiz, Rubel and even rokkie Sanzamul looked bowled accurately maintaining tight length and line. I am not sure I am seen such a great team bowling by Bangladesh bowling attack in the recent times. Especially after a dismal Bangladesh safari in South Africa it was brilliant come back. In this form I won’t be surprised if Hathurusingha tuned Sri Lankans are also Tsunameed.
Master Shakib struck double blow in the very first over. Sanzamul also appeared penetrative. Shell shocked visitors could never regroup and recover as Mashrafe brilliant as always, Mustafiz (back in his best), Rubel and Sanzamul kept the pressure going. After a while Mustafiz regained his subtle slow cutters. Consistent full quality off cutters made his deliveries almost unplayable. Rubel generated pace and bounce. Wonder where such lively performance was missing in much bowling friendly surface in South Africa. Mash kept shuffling his bowling resources with his gifted brilliance. All he touched turned gold.
When team tigers appear in such color no team can match them in ODI in home soil. Zimbabwe could master only 170 and that too from a major contribution from Sikandar Raza who plays in Bangladesh domestic cricket very often. His 53 was a saving disgrace. Otherwise visitors ran the risk of getting bundled out below hundred.
A target of 171 never looked anything but cake walk for very strong batting line up. Sun also started shining. Terrific Tamim after while opened the innings with Anamul returning to international cricket after a while. Anamul could not stay longer. Shakib was slotted at number three as another major turn around of Hathuru period. Tamim and Shakib made the chase a true cake walk first with caution and then bashing the visitors attack all over the place.
Batting looked so comfortable on a wicket which appeared like a mine field when visitors were batting. Shakib left after scoring 37 but Tamim went on and looked set for a customary century. But there were run enough runs to overhaul the target. He remained unconquered on 84. Much refreshed and relaxed looking Mushfiq enjoyed with few lofty strokes.
Team tigers announced its return to international cricket with a big bang winning the match by 8 wickets. It is to be seen how Team Tigers returns compliment to their immediate past head Coach Hathurusingha who left Bangladesh duty in the most controversial manner. But team tigers must keep putting their acts together each playing their natural game. Tiger getting taste of blood would be relentless and aggressive.
Players play the game, team stuff keep them in good humor through mentoring and coaching. Big boys of Bangladesh cricket were definitely not well under immediate past head coach dominated team management.
BDST: 0903 HRS, JAN 16, 2018
SI
