Bangladesh played fearless aggressive cricket winning huge and handsome against formidable India in the first of the three matches T20 series at New Delhi. It was a milestone achievement in the milestone 1000th T20 international, the first by Bangladesh against India in 9th attempt. One must not term it an upset as team tigers was shaping for a win against India for sometime. Some matches in the recent past had photo finish. After the series of recent unpleasant developments in Bangladesh cricket not many thought that a new look depleted Bangladesh would turn the table on formidable India. But the youthful Bangladesh did and did in brilliant fashion.
Today at Rajkot of Gujrat when the teams meet Bangladesh is set to be favorably placed and all the pressure would be on the host for bouncing back and saving the series. If Bangladesh can keep their composure and play usual cool game Bangladesh may wrap up the series tomorrow. What a brilliant achievement it would be for Bangladesh cricket. In recent times it is no longer Pakistan –India, it is rather Bangladesh – India matches that creates excitement in the subcontinent. 11 Bengal tigers tune up and enjoy playing aggressive looking eye to eye with fancied opponents.
We are not sure Bangladesh would ponder about changing the winning combination. Almost all the players made some contribution in the brilliant all round performance. There were hardly such matches in the past where team tigers excelled in all departments bowling, fielding and batting at the same time. On a little sluggish wicket Bangladeshi pacers bowled on the tight corridor not letting prolific top order Indian batsmen taking any liberties. Rohit was consumed early. Dhawan stayed longer and top scored. But at no stage he was at his fluent best. Bangladeshi spinners’ rookie Aminul and young Affif bowled tight. Indian batsmen huffed and puffed against tight bowling and sharp fielding. Some excellent catches were held. Young Bangladeshi fielders had springs in their feet. Positively motivated Bangladeshis left no stone unturned to squeeze Indian batting restricting them to chase able target. Only Mustafiz was not in his element. Perhaps Mahmudullah should have let Mustafiz bowl the last over which however is his specialty.
Bangladesh batted with a purpose and urgency. Liton went early. But debutant Naim looked elegant and graceful. He matched stroke for stroke with flamboyant Soumya. After Naim and Soumya got out taking the team to a comfortable position quality veterans Mushfiq and Mahmudullah took over. Majestic Mushfiq, playing a sparkling unbeaten 60 in 45 deliveries safely anchored the team across the finishing tape. Few thought India paid heavily for being a little complacent. Without taking any ounce of credit from Bangladesh we may say that Indian attack apart from Chahal looked pretty ordinary.
With 0-1 pressure is very much upon vanquished India. Bangladesh have their tails up and it will not be easy for India to climb to the top of their game against a very spirited Bangladesh team beaming with confidence.
Bangladesh can seal the innings winning tomorrow creating sustained pressure. India would be desperate and a team in such mental make is always prone to making mistakes. Bangladesh should exploit. Only few expected Bangladesh to win match one. Once they have now the expectation has grown for repeating the performance of the first match. It has to be seen how young team handles the pressure of expectation now.
We hope Cyclone BULBUL would not gather much momentum tomorrow and the match goes ahead as scheduled.
BDST: 0951 HRS, NOV 7, 2019
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