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July 30, 2009

When West Indies put up 274 runs on the board not many in Bangladesh were convinced that the Tigers would be able to chase down the target. It was not just that it was something Bangladesh had not successfully chased before (their highest run-chase was 250 against Australia in Cardiff in 2005), but also the past records of the batters that often succumbed to self-destructed pressure, notwithstanding the strength of the opponents, that led to that belief.

True it was not a full strength West Indies team. Still, it was a tough ask from a team whose performance can be best described like the on and off power supply in the country.

Although the power remained as erratic as it can get to test the nerves of the millions of sports fans, who braved the phenomenon coupled with a nasty bout of overpowering rain that blitzed the city the previous night, the national cricket team, for a change, presented a big smile to the sleepless fanatics like the beautiful sunshine form the Caribbean.

And as if to prove that the Tigers can hardly set a foot wrong in the Caribbean this time, Shakib Al Hasan and Co. scaled the peak in Dominica with six deliveries to go and three wickets still standing.

The moment for the non-believers to believe came when number nine batsmen Abdur Razzak miscued an attempted pull just over the short third man fielder for a four off David Bernard jr.

The finish was not as convincing as one would have liked. It was rather tense like any other close contest where players of both teams showed every sign of suffering a nervous breakdown — two West Indian fielders collided while attempting a high catch, young pace bowler (Kemar Roach) bowled a second beamer only to be ruled out from bowling at a crucial stage, little wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim drove a full toss straight to the hands of a fielder when he should have hit the rank loosener anywhere in Windsor Park or beyond into the botanical garden.

But refreshingly though, the Bangladesh top-order batted like a professional should in such a situation. There were not many forceful fours or sixes. Rather there were judicious approaches of pushing singles, nudging the ball into vacant areas to force a double and of course those odd necessary boundaries.

It was good to see Mohammad Ashraful hitting back-to-back fifties; a feat that he has not achieved in the last three years. Stand-in skipper Shakib was again at his sublime best. He top scored with 65 from 61 deliveries while Ashraful made 64 from 77 deliveries. A crucial 31 from wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim ensured that Bangladesh’s required run rate remained manageable as the overs ticked away.

But the most eye-pleasing aspect of Bangladesh’s chase was the attitude. It was positive, focused and did not cross to the limit that can be called arrogance bar that shocking shot from Ashraful.

He could have easily been the villain despite his valiant effort had Bangladesh lost the match. He came down the wicket only to play that expansive shot straight down the throat of the long-off fielder at a moment the asking run-rate was below six and along with captain cool Shakib he was milking singles with ease. It could have been a totally satisfying day in business had Shakib stayed there till the end.

It might not be as perfect as one would have wished. But signs were there that next time when one sits in front of TV set he would not lose much hair or nails if the Tigers bat with the assurance they adopted in their 200th ODI.

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