India Vs Bangladesh Third ODI Played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on June 24, 2015

India 317/6 (S Dhawan 75, MS Dhoni 69, A Rayadu 44, S Raina 38, R Sharma 29, Mashrafe 3/76, Mustafiz 2/57)  beat Bangladesh 240 All Out (Sabbir Rahman 43, Soumya Sarkar 40, Litton Das 34, Nasir Hossain 32, Raina 3/45, D Kulkarni 2/34, R Ashwin 2/35) by 77 Runs.

Summary of the Series:

Pride of team India could be finally redeemed and respect could be somewhat restored in a near complete performance in the third and the final ODI against Bangladesh. In the 77 runs consolation win Dhoni’s men in blue outplayed Bangladesh in the same manner in which they were overwhelmed by Bangladesh in the first two matches of the series.

Bangladesh won the series 2-1. They won the first ODI by 79 runs and the second by 6 wickets. India currently holds number two position in ICC ranking and Bangladesh elevated its position from eighth to seventh after the series. Bangladesh assured its opportunity for playing in the 2017 Champions trophy scheduled to be played in England. The series witnessed the emergence of a highly talented, naturally gifted left arm pacer named Mustafiz who won the series for Bangladesh almost all by himself. These sum up the series in brief.

Asked to bat first under cloud covered sky and prospect of rain looming in the third ODI, Dhawan, Dhoni, Rayadu and Raina laid the foundation of a massive Indian score of 317/6. It was a combination of uncontrolled stroke play and poorly planned run chase what accounted for the Bangladesh defeat by a wide margin. Team Bangladesh could be brought down to earth from over the moon. Bangladesh could score 240 losing in the process by 77 runs. After 10 wins on home soil Bangladesh tasted the first defeat. Perhaps this would serve as a wakeup call before serious engagement next month against another top team, South Africa.

Desperate India could finally execute its plan in wining at least a match in the tour. It can now return home with something in its balance sheet. The highlight of the series is definitely the meteoric emergence of 19 years old natural talent Mustafizur Rahman. He was actually the difference between the sides. The left arm pacer with his uncanny brilliance alone destroyed the backbone of formidable Indian batting in the first two ODI wins. Taking 13 wickets in his first three ODIs he has already entered in the record books equaling the feat of Australian speedster Ryan Harris.

Third ODI: Match Analysis

The prospect of yet another whitewash was looming.  India was desperate in avoiding it. There can be arguments for and against Mashrafe opting to field after winning the toss on a flat wicket under cloud cover and rain threatening. But rain never came and for the first time in the series match went on uninterrupted. The logic of bowling first on the same wicket on which Bangladesh scored over 300 batting first in the first ODI will be questioned by many. Perhaps it was a team decision. Without Taskin Bangladesh attack was a little depleted on the day. Batting first Bangladesh could also post a sizeable score and put Indian batting under test. Chasing over 300 under light on any surface is never easy. What were the thoughts of team think tank could not be guessed.

Taskin’s injury brought the left arm spinner Arafat Sunny in the team. Few would argue that young leg spinner Jubair Hossain could be better choice. Jubair and Mustafiz bowling in tandem at some stage of the game could be an interesting situation. Arafat Sunny was collared by spin skilled Indian batsmen as he gave away 42 runs in his six overs. He could not make any impression at all on Indian batting though Indian spinners under challenging condition of wet out field in the evening bowled much better.

India had a plan against wonder boy Mustafizur which they could partially implement. They played him with care without being too much aggressive. On the other hand Rubel, Sunny and Mashrafe bowled well below par. Mashrafe set very aggressive field all through but his bowlers could not respond. Bangladesh took some spectacular catches but ground fielding and throwing were a bit poor. Mashrafe for reasons best known to him did not utilize the full bowling quotas of two of his better performing bowlers on the day Nasir Hossain and Shakib Al Hasan. The 15 overs that these two bowled gave away only 60 runs with at four runs per over. Mashrafe, Rubel and Sunny, in 25 overs in between them, gave away 193 runs. Nasir and Shakib could have been bowled out their full quota when they were keeping things tight. Mashrafe usually is very proactive in his bowling changes and marshalling his resources. First time he made mistakes when India counter attacked and paid the price. But this can happen on a bad day.

India appeared with aggressive intent right from the start. Mustafiz still bowled with usual control and was again proving a difficult bowler to master. But Rubel and Mashrafe looked pretty ordinary on the flat batting track. Dhawan looked very impressive and entertaining. Rohit again fell to Mustafiz to an angular delivery nicking it behind. He got Rohit for the third time in three matches. Kohli and Dhawan batted confidently. While the partnership was on a smooth run Shakib disturbed his furniture behind with a characteristic arm delivery. The pair put on 75 useful runs. Before 20 overs were bowled India was sitting pretty on 119/2. MS came to bat at number four. This position he batted rarely in his long career, but when he did more often he contributed. This time was no different. Dhawan left to a spectacular Nasir Hossain catch off Mashrafe scoring 79. He was looking good for more. His 73 ball 79 earned him smartest player of the match. Rayadau joined his captain and the pair batting confidently took the match away from the grasp of Bangladesh.

Rayadu got a diabolic decision from the umpire. A Mashrafe delivery touching his pad went to Litton behind the stumps. He was adjudged caught behind. He scored a well compiled 44 and pairing with Dhoni he added 93 very useful runs. When he was given out, India was 4/251 in 44.3 Overs.

Mashrafe possibly took off his thinking cap at this stage. Instead of him bowling his quota he could look at other options. Two of his better performing bowlers on the day Nasir and Shakib still had five overs of the quota left. True Mashrafe could remove Dhoni to a spectacular catch of Mustafiz but he leaked too many runs when Raina and Binny counter attacked. He conceded 76 runs in his 10 overs. India added 66 runs in the last 6.3 overs setting a huge target of 318 for Bangladesh to chase.

Anyone would say chasing over 300 runs under light on any surface is never easy. It needs sound planning, good start and few partnerships. Perhaps Bangladesh had a plan but it did not work. Flamboyant Tamim got a poor decision. Kulkarni delivery striking him above the knee roll was missing the leg stump. In a huge run chase the loss of the premier batsmen early matters. However, stylish Soumya Sarkar played some eye catching aggressive strokes. His two delightful sixes and five lovely strikes to the fence were pleasing to the eye. When he was batting in his merry way unfortunately experienced Tamim was not at the other end. New comer Litton could not advise him to exercise discretion. A lit bit of discipline and better choice of strokes could take his innings beyond 40 off 34 deliveries.

He mistimed a drive over the top off a Kulkarni delivery at a time when his aggression was just about to start Dhoni thinking. Litton after an uncertain beginning started playing confidently. Mushfiqur and Litton were setting up a partnership. But unfortunately again it did not prosper beyond 50 when Mushfiqur fell to part timer Raina. His departure was one of the key. Mushfiqur was essential to guide the chase. For some reason for a while Mushfiqur has lost his consistency with the bat. The sooner he rediscovers his form is better for the team.

Litton did not also last long being cleaned up by Axar Patel. He was bowled through the get while getting stuck in his stance to a full delivery gripping and turning. He should have met the ball at half cock.

Shakib and Sabbir entertained the expectant admirers for a while with adventurous stroke play. But again when discretion was the requirement of the situation Shakib chose a wrong stroke and threw away his wicket.

The two youngsters Sabbir and Nasir came in a mission as the last hope. Bangladesh was still on the course with both rotating the strikes well and playing occasional aggressive strokes. Till 33rd over Bangladesh run rate was matching the asking rate. Unfortunately Sabbir getting out to a clever off cutter of Binny buried the hopes of Bangladesh of pulling off a seeming improbable victory. At 197/6 it was way beyond lone warrior Nasir and the rest to strike miracle. Bangladesh died its natural death scoring 240 all out.

Indian bowling was a team effort. Raina got three, Kulkarni and Ashwin got two each, and Binny, Patel and Rayadu got one each. Finally, India could win something in the series. Their pride could be redeemed a bit.

What Can Bangladesh Learn From The Series?

Looking back in retrospect Bangladesh has a lot to take pride. It is the first time they won an ODI series against formidable India. The emergence of a sensational natural athlete Mustafizur is a huge bonus. Despite few blemishes in the last match Mashrafe led the team appreciably.  Perhaps losing the last match would serve better for Bangladesh in identifying their shortcomings and constraints. The series win to a maximum extent can be credited to Mustafiz who single handedly destroyed Indian batting. Mustafiz alone took 13 of the 26 Indian wickets that Bangladesh could manage to take in three ODIs. His brilliant solo effort deservedly earned him man of series. But other than him what was Bangladesh bowling in the series?

Rubel and Shakib with the bat could not make their usual contribution. Taskin’s injury is a point to ponder. He will be essential part of Bangladesh attack and need to be fully fit before South Africa arrives.

Bangladesh has several quality batsmen now. They can bat aggressively against any attack. But, very often they show indiscretion. Soumya, Shakib, Sabbir and Tamim all need to see the manner in which they got out after playing well and getting set. The loss of majestic form of Mushfiqur is a bit bothersome. The absence of Mahmudullah could be felt especially in the third ODI when his stabilizing impact was essential.

No one should expect that Mustafiz will go on taking wickets in heaps all the time. He is also a mere mortal. Teams will figure him out. Other wicket taking options in all forms of the game must be explored. Al Amin, Robiul, Shafiul needs fresh look. We could not make out why Jubair added to the squad for the last ODI could not make the team.

Batsmen must know how to bat according to situation. They must not be too predictable. Even Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers do not play strokes on every delivery. On a batting paradise in a very difficult situation for bowling Bangladesh failed to challenge Indian score. They were trying to bat without discretion. Perhaps a bit complacency put paid. All these must be critically assessed and lessons learned. Professionals never get overjoyed from success. They consider it as basis for continued success.

Bangladesh fielding lost its sharpness in the last ODI although some great catches were grabbed. There were few overthrows. None could strike the wickets with direct throws.

What Can Be The Way Forward?

Bangladesh winning the series against India 2-1 is definitely a huge milestone. Perhaps the team was riding over the moon. The reverse in the last match has brought them down to earth to feel the reality. Mashrafe and the team was a touch complacent. They must not have considered the superior Indian team a mere pushover. Bangladesh allowed India regrouping and bouncing back with a definite relaxed attitude.

Team think tank needs appropriate series post mortem and critical analysis of performance of each individual.

Yes, Bangladesh won 10 ODIs on the trot at home, yes, they played admirably in World Cup, but, do they have a well set bowling unit yet?  Do they have a perfect combination against all opposition on all surfaces? Bangladesh has some good quality batting talents, some emerging players. But can they adjust to all playing conditions, match circumstances?

All these need to be discussed, deliberated. Some players need mentoring and others need to develop mental toughness.

It sounded great when Captain Mashrafe mentioned in post-match talk that Bangladesh will take the positives from the series and built on. They will also learn from mistakes. Emotions are great motivator but emotions cannot always help win in all situation. Truth is always bitter than fiction.

We hope this will serve a wakeup call before two more difficult missions against two other stronger oppositions.

South Africa will arrive in Bangladesh in a little over weeks’ time. Australia will be coming after their Ashes mission. Both teams are far more professionals.

BDST: 0927 HRS, JUN 25, 2015
SR