A walk in the park

The main feature of Bangladesh's second practice was some inspired batting and the Tigers really made it a joy-filled afternoon's cricket for the few hundred that came to the St. Lawrence Ground.

Crossing 200 is a remarkable feat in a T20 match no matter who the opponents are but Bangladesh made it look easy after only 3 runs had come from the first two overs. In the 206 for 6 the Tiger made there were 18 fours and 10 sixes and the Netherlands to their credit didn't fare too bad either and had 14 boundaries and 5 sixes in their innings of 142.

Back to the match and Mohammad Ashraful's 40-ball onslaught that brought 69 runs (11x4) was complimented by the blitz from Mahmud Ullah (56 off 37; 3x4, 4x6) and then Rokibul Hassan (27 not out off 12; 1x4, 3x6) and Mushfiqur Rahim (24 off 8; 3x6). Ashraful cut the ball fiercely and only took the aerial route when the field was in. All the batsmen preferred the shorter boundary on the side of the spectators' stand and the flatness of the wicket ensured a spectacle for the fans.

“It was a fine effort. We just kept on going till the end and in this form of the game you need to do that. Netherlands may not be the strongest opposition but you still have to clear the boundary and pick the gaps. Almost everyone had a good hit out there and that would give confidence to the boys,” said captain Ashraful who also lauded the spirit in the side.

“We had to travel a total of nearly five hours both ways for the match but the boys never let that bother them and look fit and eager. There is a lot of talking in the field and good movement,” said Ashraful.

Mahmud Ullah has been a revelation on the tour so far and followed up his 43 in the first match with another good innings here. “I have been given an opportunity at number five and this is my chance to make that spot mine. So far I have been able to execute what I have been training to do and batting has been enjoyable. I am trying to pick a run every ball and hit big shots when the opportunity is there. You can never slow down in a T20,” said Mahmud Ullah.

Perhaps the only concern for the Tigers would be the fact that they allowed Netherlands to score at nearly 9 runs an over. “This can happen when you have put on such a big score. The boys tend to relax a little and that shows in the fielding and bowling. But we put Rubel (Hossain) in and he got four wickets and Mashrafe (Mortaza) was also impressive. The players I am sure will maintain intensity throughout in the coming games,” Ashraful said.

Rubel was quick and hostile and had slipped in the bouncer with good effect every now and then. Two short-pitched balls fetched him wickets and he also sent the middle stump of Netherlands captain Jeroen Smits cart wheeling with a yorker.