In rain affected important T20 match tournament, India got the better of spirited Bangladesh winning marginally by 5 runs. Batting first India scored 184/6 Bangladesh was required scoring 151 in 16 by DLS method. It will remain debatable whether or not the surface was perfect for the resumption of play after rain. Fair Or Unfair whatever the case, Bangladesh panicked in the chase.
When play was stopped for rain Bangladesh was riding high reaching 66/0 in 7 overs though an all gun blazing belligerent Litton bashing Indian bowlers. Rain interrupted the momentum. Bangladeshi batsmen stuttered and lost the match. India now looks set for the semi-final berth.
India losing their group match against South Africa at Perth was in a spot of bother. Bangladesh on the other hand had an outside chance of moving through upsetting India and Pakistan. It could be creating a history for the tigers. But for lack of their capacity of finishing and finishing well, they lost yet another opportunity. When play resumed Bangladesh was required to score 85 runs in 54 deliveries will all 10 wickets at hand. Flamboyant Litton created panic in the Indian camp. Unfortunately, Bangladesh lost the momentum and middle order collapsed. India got out of the jail and putting Bangladesh under pressure won the match.
Earlier India batting first could reach a winning score of 184/6 mainly through a classic unbeaten 64 in 44 deliveries by back to the best form again Virat Kohli and a punishing 50 in 32 deliveries by Rahul Bangladesh bowlers Taskin (0/15), Mustafiz and Shakib bowled reasonably well. But Indian batters blasted Shoriful (0/54) and Mahmud (3/ 47). The score appeared 25 -30 too much for Bangladesh to chase.
However, Litton had a different idea. He was brutal in his assault. His flamboyance helped Bangladesh reach 66 /0 by the end of the 7th over. It could be interesting if rain did not interrupt. However, after rain break when play resumed with outfield still not ideal for play Bangladesh panicked. Litton was spectacularly run out by a direct throw of Rahul. Shakib, Afif and Yasir got out in a hurry. A little cameo of Sohan (25*) could only reduce the margin of defeat to 5 runs.
India had a sigh of relief. In modern day T20 teams usually chase successfully 85 runs in 54 balls having all wickets intact. Bangladesh still cannot absorb pressure in tight matches against top teams. Anyway, sparkling innings of Litton and smart bowling of Taskin were feature of the match for Bangladesh.
We cannot give any excuse. Umpires make the decision. Players can object only. Shakib did it right.
Bangladesh can only blame their incompetence for finishing games from a winning situation. Off course, questions must be asked why India's 50:50 decisions always go in their favor.
Bangladesh can now look forward and finish in a high beating Pakistan in the last match. India is more or less assured of semi final berth.
BDST: 1502 HRS, NOV 03, 2022
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