Running out of wham Bang
It seems the early exploits of competition minnows and giant killers Bangladesh have come to an end as now New Zealand and Australia have easily brushed them aside. Australia were forced to endure a day of sitting about as overnight rain reduced the game to 22 overs. Bangladesh scored 104 from their 22 overs, which seemed like a reasonable effort, until Matt Hayden and Adam Gilchrist knocked the runs off in 13 overs with typical aplomb.
New Zealand sealed an equally emphatic victory as some stylish bowling from Shane Bond, Scott Styris and Jacob Oram bowled the Tigers out for 174 in 48 overs. New Zealand were only one wicket down when they scored the winning runs in 29 overs, with captain Stephen Fleming not out 102 and Hamish Marshall not out 50.
Of course, nobody actually expected a different result in either game. But Bangladesh do provide a certain amount of intrigue. Commentators are still talking about the way in which they defeated India, why carrying a largely No Fear attitude in to their matches. They’re a side with a point to prove and a minnow label to unpeel. Against India, it was very effective as the young Bangladeshi batting dispatched India’s bowling to all parts of the ground with a combination of stylish strokeplay, some innovation (that reverse-bucket-scoop shot over the wicketkeeper) and some all out slogging. And on that day, the bowlers were on fire and dismissed a beleagured Indian batting line-up. That there has been so much discussion of the style of cricket that Bangladesh plays, however, seems not to have worked in their favour. Obviously aware of the tactics that beat India, they tried the same ploys against Australia and New Zealand, but overlooked one vital factor - Australia and New Zealand are in much better form than India. Such tactics ended up looking misjudged, tacky and mostly reckless. Case in point - Tamim Iqbal trying the “‘keeper-decapitator”, only to trip over his own feet and get stumped.
Both Australia and New Zealand were the model of professionalism, however, and it’s really one thing that sets them (and South Africa) apart from the rest of the International teams. It would have been possible to play a weaker side, or adjust the batting order, or trying some different bowling tactics, but they didn’t. They recognised the game, albeit one they were certain to win, as an International match which means putting out your best team and playing properly and professionally. There were no hiccups, there were no scary moments. They exerted control over the match and they exacted the defeat in precisely the way that was to be expected. That is what International cricket should be all about.
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5 opinions for Running out of wham Bang
EvilMinion
Apr 3, 2007 at 11:03 am
I love that Bangladesh play so fearlessly and with so much enthusiasm. After losing a one-day match and almost losing a test match to Bangladesh, I would hope that the Australian side recognise that Bangladesh is an opponent to respect (as much as the Australian team respects their opponents, I guess). I think we’ll see bigger and better things from Bangladesh in future world cups.
SixandOut
Apr 3, 2007 at 11:50 am
Absolutely.
I don’t think they’re even finished for this World Cup yet, though. They’re were never likely to beat Aus, NZ, SA or SL… but England, Ireland and the West Indies still represent viable targets.
jt
Apr 4, 2007 at 12:21 am
brutal summary. but fair
The Enigma
Apr 4, 2007 at 2:41 am
Here, here. Well said. If only the same efficiency and know-how could be instilled in the subcontinental teams, we would be able to enjoy a much more competitive international scene.
SixandOut.net - The International Cricket blog » Down with a Bang
Apr 8, 2007 at 9:01 pm
[…] have done a spectacular job in making me look very silly. No sooner had I said that Bangladesh were running out of steam and they’ve pulled their socks up and caused yet another “upset” in beating world […]
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