A 200 Run Demolition Act

India annihilates Bangladesh by 200 runs in the opening match of the TVS Cup here in Dhaka, under sweltering heat and humidity. There was no change in fortune for the hosts, thanks to some irresponsible batting and mediocre fielding earlier in the day. Yuvraj Singh completed his maiden century after twelve 50’s in his ODI career.

Saurav Ganguly won the toss and elected to bat first. The pitch was slow and the almost every delivery was below the knees of the batsmen. The Indians lost debutante Gautam Gambhir early to the bowling of Tapash Baisya who otherwise had an average first spell. After a quite first few overs and the dismissal of Gambhir, Sehwag unleashed his repertoire rather sternly. He took 18 off Tapash Baisya’s over but was soon removed by Mohammad Rafique. Kaif and Ganguly struggled to keep the runs flowing and after being dropped a sitter by Kapali, the same bowler dismissed Ganguly after a few overs. Kaif, Mongia and young wicket keeper Parthiv Patel followed and India were surprisingly reduced to 172 for six. Yuvraj Singh and Agarkar then got the run-rate back with some lusty hitting mixed with quick singles and twos. Agarkar hit an amazing six: Going on to the back foot, he lifted slow bowler Rafique over the mid-on fence. Everyone, including the commentators was stunned by his strength. But after his dismissal, the Indian tail couldn’t stick around but Yuvraj scampered for towards his hundred. For Bangladesh, Alok Kapali and Sanwar Hussain were the pick of the bowlers giving away only 57 runs off their eighteen overs together. Tapash Baisya also bowled a good final spell finishing with three for 65.

In reply, Bangladesh lost the plot completely. They did not look to have any plans or any strategy for the innings. Almost everyone looked to hit out the bowlers and as a result, sadly for the 7,000 crowd, they failed. Another Indian debutante Avishkar Salvi bowled with a lot of heart after thrown into the deep end with the new ball. He finished with 2 for 15 while left arm quick Zaheer Khan took 4 for 19. Agarkar chipped in with three wickets. Only Rafique, the local favorite, entertained with a quickfire 18 that included a six.

Yuvraj Singh was adjudged the man of the match for his brilliant and almost effortless hundred. The next match of the TVS Cup is on Sunday when the Indians meet South Africa.


Posted by Isam