Proteas tame lax Tigers
The intertwined roads of T20 cricket remained a mystery for the Tigers, as clinical South Africa faced little resistance from the Mashrafe Bin Mortaza-led side on their way to sweeping the two-match series yesterday.
Bangladesh's bowlers bounced back strongly after the South African opening pair's onslaught, as an elegant Soumya Sarkar enthralled the crowd with his 37-run knock. However it was not enough, as the Tigers succumbed to a 31-run defeat in the second match at Mirpur.
The pitch was better than the first game but the home side's batting still lacked fire and the ability to make proper decisions in chase of a 170-run target. One cannot blame the Tigers too much for their lack of craftiness in the shortest version of the game -- though they came to the series with a win against Pakistan in the previous T20I match -- as they do not get the chance to play many T20 games, either domestically or internationally.
After the first game, Mashrafe said he wanted his batters to apply themselves better in the middle. And while Bangladesh improved to score 138 runs, it did not ultimately do the job. Rather his team's sloppy fielding added salt to the wound, ahead of the three-match ODI series against South Africa.
On the slow pitch the target was a tough ask for the Tigers, but left-handed Soumya started like a dream as he threatened the visitors and outshone his more illustrious opening partner, Tamim Iqbal, during their 46-run partnership in 5.5 overs. The team required a long innings from the stylish left-hander but debuting leg-spinner Eddie Leie -- who trusted in flighting the ball and used his googlies -- pulled the batsman out of his crease with a flighted delivery which went past Soumya's outside edge and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock made no mistake in finishing the job.
Left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso then brought big smiles for the visitors, sending Shakib Al Hasan to the dressing room for eight runs, before Leie dismissed Mushfiqur Rahim and Sabbir Rahman to finish with figures of three for 16, which saw him claim the player-of-the-match's award.
South Africa once again displayed their strength in handling spin, while also showcasing their spin bowling. Phangiso added the wickets of Nasir Hossain and Litton Das to finish with figures of 3-30.
While Bangladesh strengthened their batting line-up by drafting in Rony Talukdar in place of off-spinner Shohag Gazi, it was proven once again that a batsman-crowded line-up is not the solution to big scores.
Earlier, AB de Villiers (40) and de Kock (44) added 95 runs in 10.3 overs to kick things off, after Faf du Plessis won the important toss for the second successive time. Bangladesh's spinners pulled things back just enough as Nasir picked up two wickets in an over while Shakib tossed the ball up to restrain du Plessis. Shakib however felt the heat in the 19th over giving away 19 runs thanks to Rilee Rossouw's 6-ball 19.
The focus now shifts to the ODI series, which begins here on Friday.
Comments