'This is special'

The scenes at ground number three of BKSP depicted a kind of joy that defied several boundaries. The beautiful grounds at the venue have seen several victories in the past, however the celebrations that took place after Bangladesh beat England by 14 runs on the first day of the ICRC International Cricket Tournament for People with Physical Disabilities was something different all together.

In front of an encouraging crowd, the men in green, led by their skipper Alam Khan, finished on 117 for 8 after 20 overs. Apurbo Kumar, batting at number four, top-scored with a 26-ball 22. The skipper though was the highlight of the batting order with his 17-ball 19.

Admittedly, the total didn't seem like it would bother the visitors at first. The English had built a good platform, scoring 43 runs for the loss of just 1 wicket after seven overs.

However, once England's number three Jamie Goodwin was trapped by Alam for 31 in the eighth over, things started to change. The spinners were brought in and wickets fell one after another. The visitors were pegged back by the turners and were eventually struggling to score at 96 for 4 after 18 overs. They ended on 103 for 7.

Bangladesh's Drupam Tirtho was the key destroyer with figures of 3 for 12. That each and every wicket meant a lot to these players was evident from the wild celebrations that ensued every time the umpire raised his finger.

Bangladesh players celebrate during the opening match of the ICRC International Cricket Tournament for People with Physical Disabilities against England at BKSP in Savar yesterday. The hosts won the match by 14 runs. PHOTO: FIROZ AHMED

"We were confident since the day before the competition. We knew that we would be able to do something special. And this is special," a smiling Drupam told The Daily Star. The slow left-armer, who plays first division cricket, said that found cricket for the physically challenged competitive.

"I may have a problem with three fingers in my right hand, but I can give the ball quite a bit of turn with my left," he grinned.

"This England team has been playing cricket for many years. They have a good system. We have just begun and I am sure this tournament will create and encourage many players," he added.   

In the day's other game Pakistan beat Afghanistan by eight wickets at ground number four in BKSP. Batting first, the Afghans were bowled out for 118 in 19.4 overs. Afghanistan's Mohammadullah top-scored with a 24-ball 43. Pakistan's Rao Javed scalped excellent figures of 4 for 21.

In reply, an unbeaten 55 from Matloob led Pakistan to victory with four overs remaining.