Tigers subdued
The Asia Cup Cricket started nicely for Bangladesh, though the opposition was U.A.E. The poor batting display however continued and as predicted by many, Bangladesh would get only one win (against U.A.E) and that was it. In my previous letter (23.06.08) I predicted that Bangladesh would have 10% success in the near future. But looking at the just concluded Asia Cup, I just have a feeling that I have probably predicted a bit too much.
In the group match, looking at the scorecard on a placid pitch tells the tale; 300 runs was scored once and against a non Test playing country. Courtesy: Mohammed Ashraful's 2nd hundred of his carrier. Against Sri Lanka the poor batting was exposed once again (226).
In the 2nd round against India Bangladesh scored 283, thanks to an unexpected hundred from Aloke Kapali. Against Sri Lanka the poor batting was once again exposed --174, and keeping the continuity of the poor batting display the Tigers could manage only 115 against Pakistan. To my surprise, Tamim was the 2nd most consistent player scoring 157 runs at an average of 31.40, which certainly is appreciable and shows the determination of the “Once a Pinch Hitter” who is trying heard to overcome his shortcomings and is probably listening and following the advice of the coach. Centurion Ashraful was as usual scoring a total of 165 Runs with a 100 against U.A.E.,(In the rest of the matches nothing to talk about). Kapali scoring 172 did indicate a good comeback. Raqibul's 195 at an average of 39 was certainly the best and he was the main man behind the Tiger's totals.
It is time that the Bangladesh cricket pundits sat down and thought seriously about Ashraful, Farhad Reza & Nazimuddin.
I believe Bangladesh would play better cricket without Ashraful as Shakib and Aftab both will be back in the team soon.
I just couldn't understand why Shahriar Nafis (averaging 33.76) was not in the playing eleven.
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