Mighty team India looked bruised, battered and humiliated loosing big to a new look Bangladesh in smoky Arun Jetley Cricket stadium in New Delhi. Very few cricket enthusiasts imagined in the wildest of dream that team tigers depleted from absence of three essential players captain and top ranked all rounder Shakib Al Hasan, veteran quality opening batsman Tamim Iqbal and budding all rounder Mohammad Saifuddin would even create a contest. The series of unpleasant events leading to the historic event (1000th T20 international) in the city of dust, smoke and haze was expected leaving adverse impacts. But the manner a well mixed combined of youth and veterans raised their game at the crunch moments surprised many. Determined and committed team tigers shocked and awed a little complacent team India drowning them by huge 7 wickets. India was swamped and overwhelmed by a resurging unit of busy bees humming from the word go.
From the very moment Mahmuddulah won the toss and put India to bat everything rolled Bangladesh way. Bangladesh did not put any wrong step. All the bowlers bowled to a plan with grossly underrated Shafiul drawing the first blood. Prolific Rohit Sharma got blown away from a sharp swinger of Shafiul in the very first over. India could not recover from the shock as Al Amin returning to the main fold after a long lay off bowled on a teasing miserly length making otherwise effervescent Shikhar Dhawan perspiring for existence.
Aminul Islam a quality leggie in his fist over induced Lokesh Rahul playing a mistimed drive to a leg spinner bowled short that gripped and came leg. Captain Mahmudullah took a simple catch. Two young spinners Afif and Aminul bowled tight paying back Indians on their own coin. India huffed and puffed for runs. How positively young Bangladesh duo absorbed the effects of the absence of Shakib’s bowling. All bowlers including Mustafiz, Mosaddek bowled to a plan and smart fielders dived and jumped with intent. Bangladesh appeared to have spring in their feet. SreshIyer and Rishab Pant tried to tee off but they were effectively contained. Shikhar Dhawan looking set went from a horrible mix up when things started looking a bit settled. The top scorer 42 from 41 deliveries he runs himself out trying for a tight second run. Iyer and Pant were also removed before they could cause major damage. Aminul and Shafiul grabbed two wickets each. Afif bowled very tight three overs. India could score a moderate 148/6 in 20 overs due to late surge from Washingto Sundar and Hardik Pandya.
Many thought that the young batting line up would crumble. Even without B Kumar, Bumrah and Jadeja Indian attack was no less penetrative. But when team plays with resolve and commitment nothing stays out side their grasp. True Bangladesh innings started with shock therapy with Liton getting dismissed early talented Soumya and debutant gusted it out. Tall lanky teenager Naim Sheikh had a Vini, Vici ,Vidi entrance into big stage . He played some superlative strokes before getting out in his 26 runs brief salvo. Mushfiq looked a bit rusty and could be given out at 9 when Indians however did not take review. But once the nerve settled him and Soumya set a solid launching pad with 40 runs third wicket partnership. Soumya finally was removed by Chahal causing a few issues with his deadly accurate deceptive spin bowling. Two M’s together however did not make the mistake. Especially Mushfiq displayed his wide array of creative stroke play. While things looked tighter Mushfiq took Khaled to cleaners. Mahmudullah also joined the party. Bangladesh won huge and hand some by 7 wickets rocking team India. Team Tigers won the Indian capital with ease. Winning the first T20 of the series Bangladesh is now looking pretty 1-0 for the first ever T20 series win.
For the past several years fabulous five Mashrafe, Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiq and Mahmudullah were the nucleus of Bangladesh team. Winning on the roller coaster ride with three of the five not there for different reasons Bangladesh made a resounding new beginning. . A new day has dawned in the horizon of Bangladesh cricket from a dark night of shock, despair and a state of confusion.
Some would say none remains indispensable for anything forever. Circumstances alter cases and life goes on. None put weight of expectation on the young shoulders. But the team responded bravely throwing every ounce of energy and combined so sweetly. With adrenaline flowing the new look Bangladesh are poised to rewrite a golden page in the history of Bangladesh cricket. Winning the first of the three matches T20 series team tigers have put India under tremendous pressure Success may breed success for team tigers. It is India which would look desperate to bounce back. It appears not easy now as Bangladesh would only improve from here. Life goes on.
BDST: 0905 HRS, NOV 5, 2019
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