Bangladesh Vs West Indies T20 International Series
Second Match Played at Lauderhill, Florida, USA
Bangladesh 171/5 ( TamimIqbal 74, Shakib Al Hasan 60, Nurse 2/25 , Pual 2/39) beat West Indies 159/9 ( R Powell 43 , ADS Fletcher 43, NazmulOpu 3/28, Mustafiz 3/50 , Shakib 2/19 ) by 12 runs
Man of The Match;TamimIqbal
Bangladesh Cricket team playing its first ever match in America won by 12 runs against West Indies at Florida. The three matches T20 series is now level at 1-1. The third match at same venue tomorrow is now going to be the series decider. Two world class Bangladesh batsmen Tamim and Shakib producing another fluent 90 runs partnership led Bangladesh scoring 171/5 batting first after losing the toss. All Bangladeshi bowlers bowling well as a team restricted West Indies to 159/9.
NRBs and PBOs living in different states of USA assembled in numbers making it a home away from home for Bangladesh. Tigers playing delightful all round cricket also present many moments to remember for the Bangladesh. After a while Bangladesh played a near complete T20 match. Excepting the opening partnership and issues of Soumya other things are being put into places. Bangladesh need to have a fresh look at its batting order finding a dynamic partner of Tamim. Playing Mosaddeq in place place of Soumya would not be a bad decision.
The easy paced less bouncy wicket gripping a bit suited the Bangladeshi bowlers. Brathwaite put Bangladesh to bat. Mirajwas replaced with Abu Hider Ronny. West Indies made no change with their winning combination. Tamim unlike first T20 took time to settle against all spin West Indies attack of Badree and Nurse. Nurse like first match removed Liton and Mushfiueearly reducing Bangladesh to 2/24 by the fourth over .Liton tried to drive through extra cover without getting to the pitch of the ball. Mushfique tried a terrible reverse sweep. Soumya was dropped down to bat at four. But that hardly changed his fate. His poor footwork and flawed technique of playing away from his body cost his wicket to Paul. At 3/48 in the 8th over Bangladesh appeared to be losing its way. Shakib joined Tamim. By this time Tamim has his eye in and was looking good. Shakib was at his fluent best . The pair produced another great partnership of 90 runs .Tamim playing some prolific strokes in his 44 balls 74 before getting caught by Paul in the deep of Russell. In that very over he clobbered Russel for 22. After Tamim’s departure Shakib put his paddle on the gear. He also played some delightful strokes before getting out to Paul after scoring 60. Bangladesh 43 runs were added in the last four overs. On the easy paced wicket pace heavy West Indian bowling made very little impression on Bangladesh batting.
West Indies reply got stuck in quick sand by two early blows by Mustafiz again as he removed Leiws and Russel before they could do any damage. Mustafiz was however struggling with his direction bowling as many 4 wides in the first over. Fletcher was holding the fort on the other end Rony, Opu, Rubel, Shakib whoever Shakib used were pitching the ball in the right channel. Bangladesh as a team was bowling to a plan. After Mustafiz strikes Shakib and Rubel getting a wicket, each reduced WI to 4/58 by the 8thover. Losing Leiws , Russell , Samuels and Ramdhin West Indies innings lost its way. Bangladeshi bowlers especially spinners Shakib and Nazmul Opu were getting grip and turn from the wicket. The innings lost the momentum.. Fletcher struggled for his 38 balls 43. Powell was a bit aggressive for his 34 balls 43. Shakib ,Nazmul and Mustafis combined attack forced West Indies innings restricted to 159/9 . Bangladesh won by 12 runs.
It turned out to a good decision playing left arm pacer Abu Hider Rony. He bowled well in tandem with Mustafiz and Rubel. Not that Miraj bowled badly when he played. But off spinners are more effective against left hand batsmen. This West Indies team has only one left hand batsman in the top order. Mustafiz took thre important wickets but struggled a bit with his line. Rony in fisrt first appearance bowled well. He will be an effective addition to Bangladesh bowling line up. Nazmul Opu created issues for the West Indians.
Tamim did not have barin freeze like last match, He took his time to settle. Once he had his feel played a classic innings full of delightful strokes. Shakib was in his elements from the very outset stroking the balls all over the park. This was one of his top all round performances as number one all rounder in all formats.
Whatever be the records this Bangladesh team is far more experienced and better equipped. Changed attitude should let them winning the last match and the series.
BDST: 1455 HRS, AUG 5, 2018
AP/SMS
