|
July 05, 2007 (Link to
Scorecard)
For the first time in
many days, Bangladesh played like true tigers at
the Test level. Although they still went onto
lose the 2nd Test by an innings and 90 runs, the
efforts of their Skipper Mohammad Ashraful and
teenager Mushfiqur Rahim will inspire their
cricket for years to come. Ashraful remained
unconquered while Mushfiqur Rahim lasted 183
deliveries which was a reflection of the good
technique and temperament this wicket keeper
batsman possesses.
The third day started
with Bangladesh at 69 for 4 to be soon 78 for 5
with former Skipper Habibul Bashar not able to
prove that he deserved a place in the side.
Bashar went very early to Dilhara Fernando and
it looked that the Tigers will fold quickly in
the morning session. But that wasn't to be which
had come as a pleasant surprise. The two very
young Ashraful and Mushfiqur batted on and on
with discipline and as time went by, their
scores also looked very good. At one point of
time, it did look that the Bangladeshis could
avoid an innings defeat.
The two right handers -
Ashraful and Mushfiqur put on one of the
greatest partnership ever in Bangladesh history
by getting 192 runs for the sixth wicket. What
was important was that the pair lasted together
for nearly 60 overs that is almost two full
sessions! It was only after Tea that Mushfiqur
Rahim got out to a return catch to Muralitharan.
The tiny wicket keeper batsman got 80 runs with
9 fours and also a six. Bangladesh will have to
stick with the youngster in all the games they
play as he is a precious talent.
The second new ball was
taken by the Sri Lankans as and when it was
available which saw Chaminda Vaas get instant
success by rapping up Sharif and Mortaza (first
ball duck) dead infront of the stumps with his
incoming deliveries. A couple of run outs later
followed and that was it for Bangladesh, their
fight ending at 299 in 86.2 overs. Despite the
big partnership for the sixth wicket, Bangladesh
were still bowled under the 90 overs which is
disappointing. Ashraful was stranded on 129
having survived 236 balls with the help of 18
fours. He batted for more than five hours which
is what is expected from a Test Match batsman.
Kumar Sangakkara got the Man of the Match for
his double century.
Top of the Page |
Related Links