Melbourne: The Bangladesh cricket team, it is said, have some of the most talented players in their side. But it seems they lack everything else — application, patience, hardwork and game sense. Talent can take anybody only so far. Cricket’s history is littered with stories of talents and potential greatness unrealised. It appears Bangladesh as a collective are accomplishing that.
Bangladesh’s Anamul Haque reacts after being run out against SL. Pic/AFP
Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim saved them the blushes against upstart Afghanistan and the rain gods gifted them an unexpected point versus Australia. Coming in to the game against Sri Lanka who haven’t been on their best in the tournament yet, there was talk that this could be Bangladesh’s chance to upstage their Asian rival.
All the talk remained just that. Sri Lanka upped their game and outplayed Bangladesh in all three facets to win by 92 runs. There were early indications of how the day was going to turn out for Bangladesh.
Lahiru Thirimanne was dropped on the fourth ball of the innings, when an edge off skipper Mashrafe went at a comfortable catching height and Anamul Haque fluffed it. Thirimanne survived two more chances — a catch that went between keeper Mushfiqur and the first slip, and a missed stumping. When Thirimanne was finally dismissed, the day actually went from bad to worse for Bangladesh as Sangakkara and Dilshan put on an unbroken 220 runs for the 2nd wicket. Bangladesh’s fielding was run ragged by the two Sri Lankan pros. There were misfields, missed run outs and over throws.
Bangladesh’s effort yesterday could be summed up by the events that transpired on the first ball of the 42nd over of the Sri Lankan innings. Rubel Hussain bowled a regulation delivery to Sangakkara, on 60, and was cut uppishly to backward point. One of the youngest member of the side, Mominul Haque dropped an absolute sitter. However, he had the presence of mind to take a shy at the non-striker end where Dilshan had backed up too far. There was no one else to receive the throw and went for extra runs, as the fielder at long on (Sabbir Rahman) had put his head down in disappointment and walking back towards the crowd.
Such lack of awareness in an international player was quite staggering. Sangakkara would go on to register his 22nd ODI hundred on the occasion of his 400th ODI. Bangladesh’s chase never really materialised as they five for 100. None of the top five batsmen made past 30, pointing the lack of patience and application. All in all, it was a horrific performance from Bangladesh on the day when Afghanistan faced with certain defeat, fought against the odds and registered a remarkable first win in World Cup against Scotland. Bangladesh would be served better if they could learn something about not giving up and the pride in representing their nation from the World Cup debutants.
Original Link: http://www.mid-day.com/articles/icc-world-cup-bangladesh-make-mess-of-their-talent/
