I thought we batted really well and sensibly: said Al Hasan
DHAKA: Licking its wounds after a lashing from India, Bangladesh can take heart from its batting performance but clearly needs to sharpen its pace attack before what looks like a must-win match against Ireland at the World Cup.
The team was unable to prevent India accelerating to 370/4 after Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan won the toss in Saturday’s first match of the tournament.
Bangladesh openers Tamim Iqbal (70) and Imrul Kayes (34) started brightly in reply, delighting the 34,000 fans who cheered every shot.
But chasing such a massive total would have been a challenge for anyone and the required run rate crept ever upward as Bangladesh got bogged down by India’s spinners.
The contest was all but over when Iqbal was caught at midwicket with the score on 188.
“I thought we batted really well and sensibly,” said Al Hasan, who hit 55.
Bangladesh is hosting its first World Cup and there is immense pressure on the young side to do well.
The team came under immediate pressure early on Saturday because its opening bowlers were unable to keep a decent line against India’s feared top-order.
Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar’s 50 partnership came off just 53 balls as they punished an awful opening spell by Shafiul Islam.
Al Hasan turned to spin after just five overs in a vain attempt to stem the losses.
“If we could have got early wickets it would have been a different game. That was our plan, but the fast bowlers did not execute it properly. I think that cost us the game,” the skipper said.
“Our bowlers need to bowl in the right areas more often. They have been bowling well for the last 12 months … let’s hope they can come back strongly.”
His bowlers will get an opportunity to do just that in the next match against Ireland on February 25, also in Dhaka.
The non Test-playing Irish represent the first clear opportunity for Bangladesh to get a victory under its belt.
Bangladesh is in Group B alongside India, England, South Africa, Netherlands, Ireland and West Indies. Four sides will go though to the quarterfinals.
Assuming Bangladesh does not upset the likes of England or South Africa, its bowlers will need to step up to the mark on Friday.
(source- TOI)
