DHAKA, July 3, 2019 (BSS)- Bangladesh’s semifinal hope ended with their 28-run loss to India, but the Tigers again showed their character of not losing it before the last ball or last wicket of the game.
On an increasingly deteriorating pitch, they kept the world interested when they were chasing down India’s mammoth 314-9. Not so many people gave it a thought that Bangladesh could survive long in a tricky pitch to scare India to some extent. But the Tigers at one phase raised the prospect of a victory, leaving India captain Virat Kohli stunned at the sudden outcome.
Bangladesh were bundled out for 286 in 48 overs eventually but they could have restricted India less than 300 had Tamim Iqbal not shelled a regulation catch of Rohit Sharma on 9, who later went on to blast 92 ball-104.
However, they finally couldn’t make it happen. And it was not the first time in this World Cup that they showed character even in defeat. It’s a case of ‘what if’ for Bangladesh side, who have also pushed Australia, England and New Zealand close, only to ultimately narrowly lose each time.
In doing so, Tigers at least won the heart of the people if not get a place in the semifinal.
Tigers head coach Steve Rhodes also insisted that considering their never-say-die attitude, they will be seen as the ‘people’s team’. “I’m very proud of the way we have played the big teams. Maybe we have become the people’s team because of the way we have played against them, so I’m very proud,” Rhodes said after Bangladesh crashed out of the World Cup.
“There are a lot of disappointed players in the dressing room. In fact everyone, including the members of staff, are gutted. We were desperate to do well and take it further.
“We played a good team, the number one ranked ODI side in the world. We pushed them but just ran out of time. You need to get out of the block fast against India and we were playing catch-up.”
Batting first, India made a rapid start as Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul put on 180 for the first wicket, the highest opening stand in the tournament so far.
Rahul was dismissed for 77 but Sharma went on to make his fourth century of the World Cup – equalling Kumar Sangakkara’s record from 2015 – as India made 314/9.
Bangladesh struggled to build a partnership in reply, with Shakib Al Hasan, 66, the only player in the top seven to make a significant score.
But a healthy run-rate kept them in it, despite the regular loss of wickets, and a quick-fire 51 not out from Mohammad Saifuddin set up a thrilling finale – only for Jasprit Bumrah to take two wickets at the death and see India home.
“I thought we did fantastically well after that blitz by Rohit,” added Rhodes.
“We were very happy at half-way to be chasing that score. At one stage, we thought it could have been 370 or 380, or even 400.
“We showed spirit to come back but if we had just started better. To beat India, you need to be at your best all the time but we were not in the first hour of the match. “We have only picked up three wins but we have pushed all of the big teams. With some luck, we could have beaten all the top four.”
Bangladesh may be free to book a flight home but they will still a play crucial role in who contests the semi-finals.
On Friday, they tackle Pakistan at Lord’s, a side who need to win to stand any chance of making the knockouts.
“I’m really looking forward to that game,” Rhodes added.
“We beat them in the Asia Cup and they will want revenge for that. We have shown we can play well against them, although they have come into form now. We want to leave with a win, not a defeat. We are desperate to win.”