TIGERS' dreams ended in disappointment when they lost in ICC trophy semi-finals against hot-favourite India and set the stage of an India- Pakistan clash in the finals. Like they did in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final, first time semi-finalists Bangladesh went toe to toe with India for about 30 overs - even inched ahead perhaps. But sadly they came apart against the non-turning, part-time, extremely slow off-spin of Kedar Jadhav. They slipped from 142 for 2 in 25 overs to only 264 on a fresh pitch at Edgbaston. While Jadhav brought down the total from the realms of 320, Jasprit Bumrah's final spell of 5-0-27-1 shaved a further 20 off what Bangladesh looked good for high a voltage final.
But reaching semi-final is an enviable feat for the Tigers and they can come back home with their head high. The Tigers were put into batting first and their total of 264 runs was not enough for the Indians who reached the target with consummate ease in 40.1 overs. Now the cricket lovers will be longing to watch another India-Pakistan encounter. India definitely are the favourites as their recent record shows, but with historically unpredictable Pakistan, one can never say what will happen in the end. All we hope now is to see an exciting and thrilling finale no matter who wins.
Mohammed Fahim
Moghbazar, Dhaka
- Friday, 26 April 2024 |
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