Lessons for Tigers

After a day's break the Super 10s of the ICC World T20 returned to action in most spectacular fashion in Chittagong yesterday. There were two games and if the Tigers, who will lock horns against their mighty neighbours India under lights at Mirpur today, are to learn anything from those contests there are two salient points they should religiously follow if they are to upset the Indian apple-cart.
Firstly, don't spill catches like England did against Sri Lanka where the butter-fingered English fielders dropped as many as four sitters. Secondly, don't surrender a winning position like the Dutch did against South Africa. Chasing a modest South Africa total of 145, the Dutch were flying on Stephan Myburgh's half-century. At one stage they needed 30 runs off 42 balls with five wickets still standing. But the Dutch batsmen, who only seemed to know how to hit the ball out of the park, committed suicide one after another and snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. The victory gave South Africa a lifeline in the tournament after two close calls. Sri Lanka were on their way to yet another easy win when they claimed two England wickets for nought in defence of a huge 189. But one Alex Hales not only turned the game on its head but also became the first player to score a century in this tournament. While the Lankans slip in Group 1, India will get a chance to top the other group provided they beat hosts Bangladesh today. For Bangladesh it will be an opportunity to come to the party, at least for their passionate millions of followers.