ICC World Cup 2019 Match 23
Bangladesh Vs West Indies Played at Taunton,United Kingdom
Bangladesh 322/3 ( Shakib Al Hasan 124* ,Liton K Das 94* , Tamim Iqubal 48 ,Soumya Sarkar 29 , AD Russell 1/42 , Oshanne Thomas 1/52.) beatWest Indies 321/8 ( Shai Hope 96.Elvin Lewis 70, SD Hetmeyer 50, JO Holder33,Mustafiz 3/59,Mohammad Saifuddin 3/72 ,hakib Al Hasan2/54) by 7 Wickets
Player of The Match: Shakib Al Hasan.
A superlative display by brilliant team tigers witnessed a fabulous win against West Indies at Taunton yesterday keeping their dreams alive in World Cup 2019. Set to chase a difficult target of 322 for winning Bangladesh won in style racing to 322/3 in 41.3 overs. Sizzling Shakib (124*and Gorgeous Liton (94*) entertained cricket admirers all over the globe with a glittering unbroken fourth wicket partnership of 189 .
World cricket has seen few more wonderful run chase . But such a win at a critical juncture made Bangladesh opportunity alive for a probable qualification for the top four . Such a wonderful win would strengthen the faith and believe that Bangladesh go and win big at world level. At half way mark when West Indies set a steep target of 322 few experts were writing Bangladesh off. But on an easy paced wicket under bright sun shine Bangladesh looked supremely confident. Soumya and Tamim set the platform and after mini hiccup World’s number one all rounder Shakib and confident Liton made a mockery of West Indies bowling cruising and creaming across the target. Winning huge by 7 wickets Bangladesh brightened its possibility for qualification for the top four . If they can hold their composure it seems not out of the team tigers reach climbing the ladder. The most noticeable was that none of Bangladesh shoulder was wavering in the big chase . That is the confidence team tigers is infusing to the nation. Cricket glorified the nation yet again.
Right from the moment inspiring tiger leader Mashrafee ran in with the new ball after putting the West Indies in Bangladesh ooze with confidence .Mash did not get any wicket but produced a great spell of controlled pace bowling . Mustafiz (3/59) and Saifuddin (3/72) bowled well enough keeping the Caribbean batsmen honest. Shakib (2/54) produced his customary penetrative bowling spell. On an easy paced wicket in a small ground it was never easy restricting the power packed West Indies batting. Bangladesh managed to silence two big guns Gayle and Russell both sent back to the pavilion before they opened their account . Hope (94), Lewis (70) and Hetmeyer (50) batted aggressively . 321/8 was a good enough score . It could be much more had Bangladesh did not field brilliantly through out. Some great catches were taken and fielders threw themselves all over saving runs. The intent and purpose of team tigers were loudly announced in their body language .
Bangladesh response was outstanding. Blazing Soumya and terrific Tamim set the tone . Sizzling Shakib and talented Liton mercilessly punished listless West Indies bowling in a superlative unbeaten fourth wicket partnership of 189 .Scoringback to back World Cup century Shakib (124*) joined the elite club of great batsmen. His innings in only 99 deliveries comprised of 16 glorious strikes across the fence. Liton forcing his way into the side justified his selection with a resounding unbeaten 94*. He blasted 8 fours and 4 sixes in his 69 ball innings. Bangladesh won by 7 wickets with 8.3 overs to spare. We are sure this big win and the manner it was achieved will give supreme confidence to Bangladesh. Playing consistently welfro here reaching the coveted knock out stage is still with in the reach of Bangladesh .It was a resounding and outstanding performance which must make cricket world recognize Bangladesh as a potent force in World Cricket.
We always told all to keep faith in Bangladesh . In this world cup so far Bangladesh played 5 matches , won against South Africa and West Indies , shared points in rain abandoned match against Sri Lanka , went down fighting against New Zealand and England .Pakistan is yet to play against India , Australia , Pakistan and Afghanistan. In his form reaching the mars even may not the impossible .Keep dreaming tiger admirers please.
What an outstanding all round performance by Shakib it was. Remember Shakib spent most of his IPL season this time warming the bench of Sun Risers Hyderabad. His resolve and confidence was reassuring for his captain and the team.
BDST: 0040 HRS, JUN 18, 2019
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