ZCZC
BSP-19
CRICKET-WC-MASH-NZ
Bangladesh’s morale high despite defeat to New Zealand
DHAKA, June 6, 2019 (BSS) – The two-wicket defeat to New Zealand was a tough pill to swallow but Bangladesh’s morale remains high following what transpired at The Oval on Wednesday.
Terrorized by New Zealand fast bowlers express pace, bounce and vicious short deliveries, Bangladesh were bundled out for 244 in 49.2 overs, a total that was by any means a below par score in a batting-friendly surface.
Bangladesh refused to give up and fought with those limited resources to make the life hell for New Zealand, who finally scampered to the target with just two wickets at hands. It might have gone either way had Mushfiqur Rahim not missed the chance to inflict run-out on Kane Williamson, whose 105-run partnership with Ross Taylor made the ultimate difference.
As New Zealand were struggling with 61-2 in 11 overs, Williamson who was on 8 then responded a quick single from Ross Taylor, only to find him a mile away from the crease but to the dismay of Bangladeshi fans wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim who was closer to wicket dislodged the bails by his elbow before the balls came to his gloves.
Williamson looked rusty but somehow found his way to score an invaluable 40. Indeed it didn’t matter how he made the runs but most importantly he accompanied an inform Taylor, who played a masterful 82 runs knock, to prevent his side from further losing wicket at that stage.
The Tigers kept fighting and clawed back into the match with a flurry of wickets. At one point they raised the hope of a thrilling victory but the Kiwis lower order held their nerve to defy the opponent bowlers.
Fighting back has awaken the prospect of a victory from a dire strait is the thing what would motivate Bangladesh side in their next clash against tournament favourites and hosts England on June 8 at the Cardiff, said Tigers captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza.
“I think England are one of the biggest sides in the tournament. It won’t be easy. If we can play our best possible cricket, you never know,” Mashrafe said.
“I don’t think we played badly today which is a positive. Defending 244, everyone knows on this wicket at The Oval is not easy. We were very close. The batting side, we started partnerships but couldn’t kick on. If we can get that right in the next match, it will be a good match,” he added.
Mashrafe highlighted the batting, where five players were out in the 20s, as the reason for the defeat.
“On this wicket it will be difficult (to defend less than 250) for sure. The spin played a big part but on this wicket it’s difficult for any teams if you can’t get early wickets especially,” said Mashrafe.
”We were very close, a few runs short but very close. If you don’t score big, you have to take all your chances. If we could have managed to score 20 to 30 runs more than we did it could have been different,” he said.
BSS/SMP/SMM/16:30 hrs