Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Five talking points from Pakistan’s dominant win
After lots of noise over their appearance – or lack of – Pakistan did show up in India. And once they landed, the controversy continued with Shahid Afridi’s comments about getting more love in India than in Pakistan. But once the team hit the field, there was no reason for concern. There was no hangover or disturbance as they made little of Bangladesh to win by 55 runs.
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Revenge – Complete
Last time the two met – in the Asia Cup – Bangladesh fans celebrated and Pakistan fans were left shocked. On that Wednesday, Mahmudullah slid on the pitch in celebration and Dhaka came to a standstill. Fast forward two weeks and on this Wednesday, normalcy of a ‘bigwig’ prevailing over a ‘minnow’ was restored. There was no need for jubilant scenes on either teams’ part. One team was too good for the other from the get go.
WATCH: Batsmen Power Pakistan To 55-Run Win
‘Lala’ of the yesteryears
Before this game, Afridi’s batting streak read 0, 0 and 0. But at Eden Gardens against Bangladesh, that changed – and how! Afridi’s innings had its usual flavour – explosive, no holds barred and, above all, fearless. Ironically, this came against the team that relies and prides itself on its fearless cricket so it is only fitting that it found its match in Pakistan and Afridi. Even when he flicked it straight to the fielder in the deep, at 49 from 19 balls, there was no sense of disappointment that he’s missed out on a milestone. Or that he missed out on entering the fastest 50 list. He had done what the team needed and what he does best. His inning was laced with four boundaries and as many sixes. It started with two boundaries and a six with only three dot balls.
Pakistan’s top order finally comes through
Once again, Pakistan’s opening partnership didn’t last long (26 runs and 2.3 overs). But unlike their recent horrible record at the top of the order, this time there was reason to rejoice. Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Hafeez put together 95 runs for the second wicket to put Pakistan in a comfortable place and allow Afridi to come up the order and free his arms – which he did.
LOOK: Colourful fans descend on Eden
Short and languid – Bangladesh’s bowling
In this format, every ball matters, every over matters and every run taken or conceded matters. One cannot afford to suffer any lapse because that could separate win from a loss. The odds of winning a game despite not firing with the bat or the ball are grim. But at this level of a global tournament, the odds reduce even further. Bangladesh’s bowling was horrendous – to put it generously. To make things worse for the Tigers, captain Mashrafe Mortaza didn’t lead by example and was the second most expensive bowler (3-0-41-0) right behind Al-Amin Hossain (3-0-43-0).
Picture courtesy: ICC
Most of the deliveries landed short of length and were, rightfully, dispatched for a boundary. If you’re facing a team like Pakistan – who can be very good on their day – then you can’t afford to dish out such deliveries and not expect to be thumped. With the bowling conceding 201, the batsmen had an uphill task, if not an impossible one. And it didn’t work out much to the dismay of numerous Bangladesh fans in attendance.
Soumya Sarkar you beauty!
The only good thing that happened for Bangladesh was the individual brilliance of Soumya Sarkar to dismiss Hafeez. With a well placed shot destined for a six, Sarkar leaped high to push the ball into the air once again and leaped back on to the field of play to complete a wonderful catch. Unfortunately for him and Bangladesh though, it didn’t come soon enough because by then the damage was already done and Pakistan were at 163 and had three overs left.
