World Of Cricket

Galle: Bangladesh achieved their first ever draw against Sri Lanka in a record fest.

“We wanted to give it back to them” Rahim © AFP

Day 5 of this run fest was no different to the previous days as it saw two more centuries which took the tally to a total of eight in the match equaling the world record locked in West Indies and South Africa in Antigua in 2005. Being their first ever drawn test match against Srilanka, the Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim called it “a huge achievement”.

It was the first time Bangladesh posted a total over 600 in a test match and batted 196 overs, the longest they have advocated since getting their test status, back in 2000.

“Our past record against Sri Lanka definitely motivated us. For instance, they have scored 19 or 20 centuries against us. We stressed on the fact that this is a big opportunity for us. We thought this is a chance for us to make them work hard on the field as we batted on and on.

“The team that often keeps you in the field for days that beat you regularly, we wanted to give it back to them. I think they are shocked, because they couldn’t imagine we would play well.” Said, the Bangladesh captain.

Pitch was nothing more than batting paradise, as 1613 runs were scored for just 19 wickets. . It was the first time Kumar Sangakara posted 2 tons in a test match. Srilanka placed a respectable 570/4 dec in the first innings, and 335/4 in the second innings respectively. Assigning a target of 268 that was to be chased in one session. First wicket of Anamul Haque came early, but the game was later on controlled well by Jahurul and Mohammad Ashraful who took the score to 70 by 4pm, The game was later called off as expected.

“The team that often keeps you in the field for days that beat you regularly, we wanted to give it back to them. I think they are shocked, because they couldn’t imagine we would play well.”

The captain pointed out the different players who had made contributions, mostly with the bat, an end result that is relatively new to him in Tests. “We need a pen and paper to write down the positives in this Test. We had the team’s highest score, Ashraful and my highest scores, Mominul’s debut fifty, Nasir’s maiden 100. I think this was also the highest score in Galle.” Said the Bangladesh captain.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board had also announced allurements for the team players for drawing Tests and taking games into the fifth day. The team will now get an $1250 for drawing the Galle Test apart from their match fees. Mushfiqur Rahim was awarded as Man of the Match. “It is really enjoyable, the team is playing very well together. We didn’t really bowl well first up, so we had a chat that we need to show character and then our batsmen did really well. The draw is huge, it was also the first time we took lead against Sri Lanka.” He added.

This test match again showed the massive improvement of Bangladesh since Asia cup. But Credit goes to Bangladesh players for showing immense patience that is needed to survive in Test Cricket. All in all a moral victory for Bengal Tigers.

The first test between Bangladesh and Srilanka ends in a draw after it witnessed eight centuries in it.

Mushfiqur Rahim beacame first Bangladeshi to score double century © AFP

Many thought that after first innings Srilanka’s score of 570 it will only be the matter of time before Bangladesh folds, but it was not the case. The first test match became a paradise for batsmen as there were eight centuries scored in the match.

Srilanka won the toss early in the test and choose to bat. Their batsmen proved the desicion right as Srilanka compiled a huge 1st innings score of 570. Sangakkara, Thirimanne and Chandimal scored centuries for them.

It looked a one sided match from there on but Bangladeshi boys had other plans. Their openers left the middle but after that Bangladesh walked towards the record. They scored over 600 runs for the first time in Test matches. Their main contributers was their captain Mushfiqur Rahim who scored his first test double century. Ashraful and Nasir Hossain also scored their centuries.

In the second innings Srilanka tried to attack and win the match but it was not possible. But their were 2 more centuries still to come as Dilshan and Sangakkara made 126 and 105 respectively.

Srilanka declared their innings at 335 and left 268 runs for Bangladesh to chase. Bangladesh scored 70 for 1 in their second innings and the match ended in a draw. Bangladesh would be feeling proud of their efforts as they made Srilanks sweat.  Mushfiqur Rahim for his fine innings was declared man of the match.

Dubai: Cricket’s governing body in Asia (ACC) on Monday rejected a complaint from Bangladesh that one of their batsman was obstructed by a Pakistani bowler in their recent Asia Cup final defeat.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) had also turned down the complaint © AFP

The complaint was rejected on the grounds that it was not reported by on-field umpires, an official said.

Ashraful Huq, chief executive of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), said Bangladesh officially complained about the last over of the final, which Bangladesh narrowly lost.

“We had received Bangladesh’s complaint but since the incident was not reported by the on-field umpires nothing can be done,” Ashraful told AFP from Kuala Lumpur.

Bangladesh had appealed to the ACC to review the final over, accusing Pakistani paceman Aizaz Cheema of deliberately blocking batsman Mahmudullah Riyad from taking a second run.

Pakistan beat Bangladesh by two runs to lift the four-nation Asia Cup after a thrilling final on Thursday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board had expressed disappointment over Bangladesh’s complaint, calling it an “after thought” after defeat.

Ashraful, who also hailed from Bangladesh, said the International Cricket Council (ICC) had also turned down the complaint.

“It could have happened then and there, in the final but since umpires and match-referee did not take any action then, so the matter is closed,” said Ashraful.

“I think the Bangladesh team played so well in the whole tournament, beating India and Sri Lanka — World Cup 2011 finalists — was no mean achievement and although they lost the final, the Bangladesh team won millions of hearts.”

Dhaka: Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 2 runs to in a nerve wracking contest to lift the Asia Cup for the 2nd time. Bangladesh won people’s heart all around the world with their fabulous performance.

Pakistan's cricket team celebrate with the trophy after becoming Asian Champion © Reuters

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Mushfiqur Rahim won the toss and decided to bowl first. Bangladesh started well first by taking the wicket of Nasir Jamshed (9) and then Younis Khan (1).

Misbah-ul-Haq (13) in the 15th over found himself stranded in the middle of the pitch and that’s why got run-out. An immense pressure was developed on Pakistani falcons in result of the scoreline 55/3.

Bengali tigers snatched 4th wicket in 22nd over by removing Mohammad Hafeez who struggled and scored 40 runs off 87 balls by hitting 4 FOURS.

Future of Pakistan – Umar Akmal and Hammad Azam built a good partnership of 69 runs to take Pakistan out of this situation. Shakib Al Hasan broke this partnership by taking the wicket of Hammad Azam (30), in the next over Pakistan also lost Umar Akmal (30) in a suspicious way, he was give caught behind but it wasn’t clear in replays that the ball kissed his bat or not on its way to the gloves of keeper.

Shahid Afridi played a much needed innings and scored 32 runs off 22 balls, he hit 4 beautiful FOURS & 1 stunning SIX. Sarfraz Ahmed took some time to get settled but played a sensible knock of 46.

Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal scored 4 runs each. Aizaz Cheema remained not out at 9 with Sarfraz Ahmed (46). 19 runs were bagged by Pakistan in the last over which was bowled by Shahadat Hossain.

Pakistan ended up by scoring 236/9 in 50.0 overs. Mashrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzaq and Shakib Al Hasan took 2, 2, 2 wickets. Nazmul Hossain and Mahmudullah took 1 wicket each.

Bangladesh went off to a good start, Tamim hit 2 FOURS to Gul in 4th & 6th over.  Nazimuddin looked nervous but kept his feet on the ground to build a solid partnership.

Nazimuddin enjoyed some luck, first when umpire Steve Davis didn’t gave him lbw out in the 10th over at the immense appeal of Saeed Ajmal and co. ; replays showed that the ball hit him in line and would have gone one to hit the stumps, Nazim was granted with another chance when he was dropped by Hammad in the 12th over at the ball of Cheema.

Pakistan finally in the 17th over got their first breakthrough when Shahid Afridi removed Nazimuddin (16), he was caught in the deep by Younis Khan, it was a superb take.

In the next over, Saeed Ajmal surprised Jahurul Islam (0) with his doosra and bought second wicket for Pakistan, Jahurul was caught in the slip by Younis Khan.

Tamim Iqbal (60) after scoring his 4th consecutive half century chipped one ball to extra cover where Younis took another good low catch. Tamim’s departure silenced the crowd. The score of Bangladesh was 81/3 in 23.1 overs.

Responsibility once again fell at the shoulders of Shakib Al Hasan and Nasir Hossain. Pakistani bowling attack dried up the runs, former captain Shahid Afridi bowled impressive spell and gave only 28 runs in his 10 overs, he also took 1 wicket.

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Shakib spanked 2 FOURS to Hammad Azam and released some pressure, his partner Nasir was still feeling it. Pakistan came back strongly again in the batting powerplay but failed to pick up any wicket, those 5 overs went for 21 runs (1 FOUR).

84 runs were required off 60 balls. Shakib first struck FOUR to Gul & then SIX to Cheema. It was all going in the favour of Bangladesh before the fall of Nasir Hossain who became victim of the short ball of Umar Gul, skipper Misbah-ul-Haq took an easy catch at mid wicket. Crowd which was cheering every  run was stunned.

Bangladeshi skipper Mushfiqur Rahim who smashed India in the last stages came in to bat in the final but in the next over he lost his partner Shakib who was playing at 68.

Crowd gave Shakib a standing ovation for playing a great innings. Pakistan kept on squeezing the runs and in the result got another wicket, this time the wicket of their captain Mushfiqur Rahim who scored 10.

Now everything was on the tail-enders. 39 runs were required off 24 balls, Mashrafe Mortaza hit 2 FOURS to Umar Gul and shifted the balance back to his team.

Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq gambled by bringing back Saeed Ajmal as he was going to bowl his last over but he proved his captain right by taking the wicket of Mashrafe Mortaza (18).

19 runs were required off 12 balls, Umar Gul bowled very good yorkers but he over-stepped in that over which gave a free-hit to Bangladesh, they got just 2 runs off it but the over went for 10 runs. Mahmudullah and Abdur Razzaq ran through the wickets quite well.

The equation was 9 runs off 6 balls. Misbah-ul-Haq handed over the ball to 32 year old Aizaz Cheema who was feeling huge pressure. Mahmudullah was on the strike, he took single off 1st ball, Abdur Razzaq earned a leg-bye at the 2nd ball, Aizaz bowled a slow legcutter; Mahmudullah didn’t read it and hence missed it, at the 4th ball; Mahmudullah played a shot towards long-off, fielder took time and threw the ball towards the keeper who flicked it onto the stumps but missed the target which resulted in an over-throw, Bangladeshi batsmen ran three runs, Pakistani players were looking dejected for poor work. 4 runs were required off 2 balls. On the next ball, Cheema clean bowled Abdur Razzaq. Some people in crowd were unable to feel the pressure and because of it they were crying, people were praying in and out of the stadium. Aizaz Cheema bowled a yorker on leg stump and Shahadat Hossain only managed to dug it out, he took a single and umpire gave it as a leg-bye.

Pakistan fielders ran towards Cheema and embraced him. He really held his nerve and bowled beautifully in the end. Bangladesh scored 234/8 in 50.0 overs. Aizaz Cheema bagged 3 wickets for 46 in 7 overs, Umar Gul & Saeed Ajmal took 2, 2 wickets and Shahid Afridi took 1 wicket.

Crowd was in deep shock after seeing this dramatic end, even the Bangladeshi players were weeping, those scenes were never easy to watch, tears were in the eyes of Nasir Hossain and Mahmudullah. Bangladeshi captain Mushfiqur Rahim was crying hard by embracing Shakib Al Hasan. It was no doubt a sad end for Bengalis who gave their heart, played an outstanding cricket and showed the world that they are capable of beating any big team. People from all around the world texted, even from Pakistan that “Bangladesh won our hearts”.

In year 2000′ Pakistan won their first Asia Cup under the captaincy of Moin Khan in Bangladesh and now in year 2012′ Pakistan won their second Asia Cup under the captaincy of Misbah-ul-Haq Khan again in Bangladesh. They focused on their target and gifted their nation and fans a beautiful victory, this has doubled the happiness for Pakistanis as they celebrates 23rd March as ‘Pakistan Day’. Many many congratulations to them from ‘World Of Cricket’.

The next Asia Cup will be held in UAE in year 2014′ and there are reports that more then 4 teams will participate in it.

HQ Photo Gallery: Click here and enjoy some eye-catching collection of photos from this match.

Result: Pakistan won by 2 runs.

Man Of The Match: Shahid Afridi (Pakistan).

Man Of The Tournament: Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh).

Dhaka: Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by 5 wickets and will face Pakistan in the final. 2011 World Cup winner India & finalist Sri Lanka will pack their luggage as both are out of the Asia Cup 2012.

Bangladeshi batsman Shakib Al Hasan (L) and Nasir Hossain (L) react after winning the match against Sri Lanka © Getty Image

Bangladesh won the toss & decided to field first. Nazmul Hossain greeted his captain by taking 3 quick wickets of Sri Lankan top order batsmen. He first clean bowled Sri Lankan skipper Jayawardene, then sent Sangakkara back and in the 10th over he went through the gates of Dilshan.

The score of Sri Lanka was 37/3 but then Kapugedera and Thirimanne stretched Sri Lankan innings by building a good partnership, they gave tough time to Bangladeshi bowlers specially to Shakib and Shahadat.

After making a partnership of 88 runs with Kapugedera, Thirimanne (48) got out to Abdur Razzaq. It was indeed a lucky breakthrough for Bangladesh. New batsman Upul Tharanga continued his good form and support Kapu in his effort, both added 49 runs together.

Kapugedera was dismissed by Abdur Razzaq at 62. After his return, Sri Lanka tumbled and lost Maharoof (3) and Kulasekara (1) in no time. Upul Tharanga who was looking good gifted his wicket to Shahadat Hossain at 48.

Senanayake and Malinga tried to raise the score and added 19* and 10 respectively. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 232 in 49.5 overs. Nazmul Hossain took 3 wickets, Abdur Razzaq & Shakib Al Hassan took 2, 2 wickets and Mashrafe Mortaza, Shahadat Hossain shared 1 wicket each.

10 overs & 20 runs were deducted because of the rain, the revised target was 212 (40.0 overs).

Bangladesh lost Nazimuddin (6) once again early in the chase, he was followed by Jahurul Islam (2) who also threw his wicket away.

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Bangladeshi captain Mushfiqur Rahim (1) promoted himself up the order but didn’t capitalize the opportunity to strengthen the innings and became victim of Kulasekara.

3 quick wickets silenced the crowd at Shere Bangla National Stadium. Tamim Iqbal was still at the crease, he was joined by old captain Shakib Al Hasan, both took time and created a block to stop the flood which was threatened by the opposition.

Sri Lankan bowlers tried their best but failed to break the defenses of Bengali tigers. Senanayake in 20th over broke the 76-run partnership by sending Tamim (59) back to pavilion.

Senanayake after a couple of overs also sent the other settled batsmen Shakib (56) back to pavilion. Bangladesh supporters felt sad on the return of their best all-rounder.

Young & exciting Nasir Hossain handled the innings carefully with Mahmudullah. Both were tested by short deliveries in the start but later on both enjoyed bad bowling by Sri Lankan seamers.

Bangladesh successfully chased the target by scoring 212/5 with 17 balls remaining. Nasir and Mahmudullah remained not-out at 36 & 32 respectively. Kulasekara and Senanayake shared 2 wicket each whereas Lakmal took 1 wicket.

With this victory, Bangladesh leveled with India on points table (8 points each) but because of head to head counts where Bangladesh defeated India by 5 wickets, Bangladesh have won their spot for the first time in the final of Asia Cup. They’ll face Pakistan in the final on March 22, 2012.

Result: Bangladesh won by 5 wickets.

Man Of The Match: Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

Dhaka: Bangladesh delivered an upset 5-wicket defeat to India. The remarkable 100th international century of master-blaster Sachin Tendulkar went in vain.

Bangladesh defeated India after 5 years © AFP

Bangladesh won the toss and decided to field first. Gautam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar started the innings, India lost their first wicket at 25 when Shafiul Islam bowled Gambhir (11).

Virat Kohli then came in and supported Tendulkar in his art work. Both played really good looking shot, specially the ‘little-master’ was looking in great touch.

Kohli (66) after making 2nd wicket partnership worth 148 with Tendulkar got out to Abdur Razzaq in the start of 3rd powerplay. Suresh Raina was promoted up the order to use the powerplay as the score of India was 173/2 in 35.5 overs.

Sachin reached to his 100th international century in 44th over by taking single; his team-mates, fans were on the feet, Bangladeshi fielders congratulated him and he raised his bat to acknowledge the praise. It was not only a proud moment for India but also for Cricket. It is a milestone which may never be achieved again.

In the 47th over, Mashrafe Mortaza first sent Raina (51) back in the pavilion and then sent legend Tendulkar back. The master scored 114 off 147 balls and struck 12 FOURS & 1 SIX.

Rohit Sharma (4) didn’t last long, he was undone by a beautiful throw of Nasir Hossain. MS Dhoni added 21 runs and remained not-out with Jadeja (4).

India with the accomplishment of Sachin mounted a huge score of 289 in 50.0 overs and lost 5 wickets. Mortaza took 2 wickets, Shafiul Islam and Abdur Razzaq took 1 wicket each.

Tamim & Nazimuddin started things for Bangladesh. Team India received gift when Nazimuddin skied one ball high up in the air and Rohit took an easy catch.

Jahurul Islam who was playing his 8th ODI played a good knock with Tamim, both showed their aggressive intent and raised a partnership of 113 runs. Jahurul after making his 1st international fifty got out to Jadeja.

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Young batsman Nasir Hossain came in but then settled Tamim Iqbal got out after making 70, he gave a good platform to the follow-up batsmen. Old captain and one of world’s best all rounders; Shakib Al Hasan joined Nasir in Bangladesh’s interest.

Both took Indian bowlers on their target and nailed them. World Of Cricket never witnessed such hard hitting from Bangladesh before.

After scoring 49 off 31, Shakib got out to Ashwin, he was given stump-out, replays showed that his one foot was out of the line, one was on the line and the line belongs to the 3rd umpire who gave Shakib out.

It was a good and important breakthrough for India but they never what is coming next. Bangladeshi captain Mushfiqur Rahim hit 2 consecutive Sixes to Irfan Pathan in 48th over, then a FOUR & a SIX in the next over to Parveen Kumar which took the game completely away from India.

Nasir Hossain skied one in greed of ending the game in style and was caught out as 2 runs were required off 8 balls. In the next over, new batsman Mahmudullah hit FOUR to win the game.

He embraced Mushfiqur Rahim and the other Bangladeshi players from the pavilion ran out to celebrate their outstanding victory. Bangladesh scored 293/5 in 49.2 overs to win the game. Parveen Kumar took 3 wickets for 56 in 10 overs, Ravichandran Ashwin & Jadeja took 1, 1 wicket.

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar was honoured with souvenir by Bangladesh Cricket Board, it was presented by its president Mustafa Kamal.

Last time when Bangladesh defeated India was 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup (West Indies) [March 17, 2007], it was also a 5-wicket victory and was also a group match, India was bowled out in it for 191 and Bangladesh chased it successfully in 48.3 overs.

This victory of Bangladesh will keep the tournament alive, Pakistan who is on top of the group with 9 points can still find itself in a problem as India is at no.2 with 4 points and Bangladesh is at no.3 with 4 points (positions are different because of run-rate). India will face Pakistan in the next match on March 18, 2012 and Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka on March 20, 2012.

HQ Photo Gallery: Click here and enjoy the photos from the match.

Result: Bangladesh won by 5 wickets.

Man Of The Match: Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh).