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Bradshaw saves WI humiliation

Sunday, May 16 2004

A brave effort by the touring Bangladeshis saw their hosts, the West Indies, barely scrape to victory in the first of three One Day Internationals between the teams. Having restricted Bangladesh to 144 for 8 in their 50 overs, the West Indies reached 145 for 9 in 46.4 overs, to win by just 1 wicket at Arnos Vale.

The match started in a very much expected manner, Bangladesh set back to a quick 5 for 3 by debutant Tino Best and Fidel Edwards. Best claimed wickets with consecutive balls in his first over (a double wicket maiden) in ODI cricket. After getting Shahriar Hossain (0) caught at slip with a bit of extra bounce, Best trapped Habibul Bashar (0) plumb in front as he swung awfully across a fullish delivery.

A mild recovery from Rajin Saleh (20) and Mohammed Ashraful (17) was halted abruptly by Fidel Edwards, having the latter caught behind, then Bradshaw dismissed the former and Alok Kapali (5) within 1 run of each other - 52/6. The screws tightened and Bangladesh struggled to get the ball away, especially against the miserly Ian Bradshaw (10-4-11-2).

The score later slipped to a despairing 82/8 and still 17.2 overs left in the innings, with Tino Best claiming two more victims and ultimately ending with 4/35 from his 10. Resilient batting from Khaled Mashud (30 not out) and Mohammad Rafique (32 not out) took the innings to 144/8, through the allotment of 50.

Surely there were no worries in the West Indies camp, or among the supporters, as they set out to chase a meagre 145 for victory. Alas, that all soon changed. Gayle (0) continued his poor run of form, perishing to Tapash Baisya and make-shift opener, Ricardo Powell was joined by Sylvester Joseph (7). The partnership yielded 39 runs when former captain Khaled Mahmud had the first success of a tight innings spell of 10-3-15-2.

Chanderpaul showed glimmer of the 1st ODI against England earlier this season, when he slumbered to 15 from 53 balls before being adjudged LBW to the 54th - 81/3. Powell, who had played well enough for his eight ODI half-century, was next, bowled by Mahmud for 52 - 83/4.

Stand-in captain, Sarwan batted for 22 from 39 balls and with Dwayne Bravo, took the score to 119 for the fall of the fifth (Sarwan's) wicket. It was now that the wickets began to tumble. Dwayne Smith was stumped off Majural Islam Rana for 2, Jacobs was run out by the same player for 1 and Bravo was also run out, that time by Mohammed Rafique and for 16.

Suddenly the scoreline read 126/8, which fell further to 133/9 - 12 needed and just a wicket in hand. Edwards met Bradshaw and the two were made to keep their nerve in guiding their team home and dashing the hopes of a rare Bangladesh victory. Bradshaw ended unbeaten on 12 from 19 balls with a six and Edwards unbeaten on 4.

The Man of the Match was deservedly awarded to Ian Bradshaw.

The second ODI of the series is set to complete this weekend's Arnos Vale double header tomorrow.

Score Summary:

Bangladesh innings 144/8 (50 overs)
(Mohammad Rafique 32 not out [59], Khaled Mashud 30 not out [75])
(TL Best 4/35 [10], IDR Bradshaw 2/11 [10], FH Edwards 2/24 [10])

West Indies innings 145/9 (46.4 overs)
(RL Powell 52 [64], RR Sarwan 22 [39])
(Manjural Islam Rana 3/21 [10], Khaled Mahmud 2/15 [10])

Result: West Indies won by 1 wicket
Series: West Indies lead 1-0
Man of the Match: IDR Bradshaw (WI)

Posted by Liam