Didn't get to watch the game live but watched every ball of it this morning. Finn Allen set up real nice. The boy is fearless. Hard to sustain that sort of mindset when you're unsure of the deck, haven't had big scores in the last couple but still go on to dominate the bowling like it should be in t20s. Granted it was definitely 160 pitch but still takes courage to go at the bowlers like he did. He's here to stay and will play all white ball cricket for number of years to come. I can see him criticized if he fails few times playing across the line and trying to heave the ball but he'll have to live and die by the sword. He has set an image of that himself but he'll earn loads of cash, fans and win lots of games for black caps in white ball cricket especially t20. Not sure if he's going to replace Guppy going forward or play along side Guppy but would be good for him if he does the later.
Ravindra played couple of gorgeous shots in the last game that we know he can and although this is not a criticism and rather observation, for once I agreed with the commentator
Rachin flattered to deceive with the bat couple of times in this series. I agree the first two games the ball stopped on him and crept but the pitch wasn't to blame for the last three dismissals. Nevertheless, a good experience to have in the bank. His bowling was awesome, from memory he may have gone for one boundary in like 11 overs in the last 3 games. Shows he has very good control over the lines, length and knows how to tie down the batters. I don't think any Bangladesh players were able to use the feet and hit him over the top. Every time they tried he adjusted the length real nice. Still his bowling is not going to be as acknowledged as very good just because he has good batting skills. That is the bane with all genuine all rounders particularly if you are a batting all rounder. If he was simply a bowler we will be signing praises of him for being a very good foil for Ajaz. I think he will make the test side to India, there's absolutely no doubt.
Ben Sears I have pointed out for a long time has that x factor in him. On his first tour on Bangladesh decks, he showed he can bowl with control, vary his pace, get terrific carry and hustle the batters you know you have a very good bowler on hand. I was worried he'll bowl couple of no balls or wides having seen him bowl so much for firebirds but he showed very good control and rhythm. There will be a lot of rotation going forward due to covid and faster bowlers injuries that's part and parcel and Sears will play lot of cricket. Just hoping they don't pigeon hole him as t20 bowler or white ball bowler, his best format is long format.
Duffy, Kuggs were also awesome for first timers in sub continent. Kuggs was quick and bowled with great control. He can bat too but hasn't had enough opportunity with the bat. Duffy was very smart, not super quick but adapted to those pitches very well right from the word go.
Ajaz, Latham were unbelievable. 10 wickets at like under 4 RPO in t20s is probably the best series he'll ever have. Unfortunately Santner in t20s is as good as they come. I can't see anyone up surging him from the side at least in t20s even though Ajaz is equally good but then he's about 33 as compared to Santner who's 29. The only opportunity Jazzy will have is if we play in sub continent but then chances are Ravindra who's now what 21 and not a bad bowler and a good bat, fielder will be preferred. I guess with this performance Ajaz will nail his place in test cricket at least and here's hoping the management lets go off Santner from long format and let him concentrate on white ball cricket or likely sign up with a county come next year if Santner really wants to get better at red ball cricket and challenge Ajaz. Ajaz ideally should have been in the side ahead of Todd Astle for the t20 wc but I guess they had to go with what options they had prior to this series.
Latham was the only player to score 2 fifties and showed he's probably the best player of spin we have in the country. Even ahead of Kane I suppose. His wicket keeping, captaincy and the way he went about using the bowlers adds to his batting. It felt like he was on a different pitch compared to other batters. If and when Kane gives up captaincy Latham will be ready to go. I think he may have resurrected his t20 career after this series particularly whenever we play in sub-continent in future. The Pakistan t20s will tell us if he has the power game in him when we will likely need to chase 180-200. Pakistan decks are going to be flat as considering they're going to allow the crowd to come in. They are not going to prepare slow, low, turning decks by the looks of it.
Young, Nicholls, Blundell enhanced their reputation to certain extent. Given how good they are probably it was a par series for them both. Young will obviously play fair bit of t20s going forward but I don't think Nicholls and Blundell will feature as much.
I expected Bangladesh to smash us 4-1 but given the deck in the last game and them resting fair number of top players a 3-2 scoreline is more than what I expected of this bunch.
Loved watching Afif bat in the last game, the commentators kept saying he's good but I didn't think he was going by the first few games but boy did he play well in the last inning. I think that was the best knock of the series by either side. Like to see how he will cope with faster pitches and short stuff overseas.
Breath of fresh air watching Taskin Ahmed bowling as well, bowling over 140s and hooping the ball. Shame he has to play on those decks, could be a serious force outside of Bangladesh.
Mehdi is awesome too and Mahmudullah. Didn't get to see the best of Shakib or Mushfiqur. No need to mention Mustafiz I guess, he's like one of the top 5 bowlers in the world in t20 format. All in all, Bangladesh guys looks like lovely bunch of guys. Can't blame them for the pitches, they can only play on what is provided to them and produce results.
The series was much closer than I thought or the score suggests which is a great return for us.