Thursday, 28 Mar, 2024

Sports

Tigers Outplayed Kangaroos In Two Matches

Saleque Sufi | banglanews24.com
Update: 2021-08-05 14:24:15
Tigers Outplayed Kangaroos In Two Matches

Bangladesh beating Australia in two T20I back-to-back is not fluke or upset as being mentioned in some media in West Bengal. Team tigers genuinely outgunned the pathetic kangaroos playing far better overall cricket. 

OK batting may have rooms for improvement but Bangladesh bowled and fielded far better than the tourist. The Australians lacked skills, quality and temperament to deal with the cutters of Mustafiz, slower deliveries of Shoriful or spin of Shakib and Mehedi on the slow low gripping wickets. Nasum also tormented them in the first match. Mahmudullah also administered his resources far better. Young guns Afif, Sohan playing fearless cricket have given depth and diversity in Bangladesh batting. With two wins in two matches Bangladesh looks poised for winning the series and even achieving series whitewash. 

The much awaited 5 matches T20 series started in COVID affected Dhaka ensuring bubble tight Bio Bubble Protocol. Australia came fresh from a 2-1 ODI series win against West Indies followed by 1-4 T20 series defeat against the powerful West Indies T20 team. Bangladesh on the other hand returned from a very successful tour of Zimbabwe winning series in all three formats –test, ODI and T20. Australian squad was reasonably lean with Warner, Smith, Maxwell, Stoinis and Pat Cummins among big guns missing. 

Bangladesh for different reasons was without Tamim, Mushfique and Liton. Off course Bangladesh with vastly experienced world class performers Shakib, Mahmudullah and Mustafiz was considered favorite against the tourist on Bangladesh home condition. Bangladesh played much better brand of cricket genuinely won the first two matches. These were definitely not upsets. Judging from the performances of the matches so far it can be said safely that Bangladesh is firm favorite now for winning the series and even achieving series white wash.

In the first match Bangladesh successfully defended 131 bowling and fielding exceptionally well. Australia batted poorly getting bundled out for 108. Nasum with his orthodox left arm spin tormented the Aussies. Shakib and Mustafiz also bowled well.  Carey and Philippe had no clues. Only Mitchel Marsh could resist a little bit.

In the second match Australia batted first. But again, only Marsh and Henrique could survive very probing Bangladesh attack. Mustafiz with slow cutters and Shoriful with smart variation of pace vexed the Aussies. They also could not play at all comfortably against Shakib. Their score of 121 was not at all defendable. Australia bowled well. But their butter fingers in the field let Bangladesh off the hook. I cannot remember when last an Australian team fielded so poorly. Young Afif and maturing Sohan batting bravely won the match for Bangladesh.

After the rest day today, there would be back-to-back matches on 6th and 7th August and the last match on 9th. Bangladesh needs to review whether they should stick with Soumya looking out of short against Starc and Hazelwood. But with not much resource left in the reserve team management should keep faith with Soumya for tomorrows match at least. However, Mosaddeq may be considered in place of Mehedi to bolster the batting. 

If the gains of Bangladesh are assessed neutrally the relatively young Bangladesh playing fearless cricket and Mahmudullah marshaling his resources far better than Wade made the difference. Australian attack did not look unplayable while Australians look clueless in handling both pace and spin of Bangladesh. Business as usual should let Bangladesh win the series and even earn comprehensive Banglawash. 

BDST: 1424 HRS, AUG 5, 2021
SMS

All rights reserved. Sale, redistribution or reproduction of information/photos/illustrations/video/audio contents on this website in any form without prior permission from banglanews24.com are strictly prohibited and liable to legal action.