Bangladesh stunned England in a must win game to kept their hopes alive of reaching into the next round. Chasing the target of 226 runs for victory Bangladesh were cruising along nicely at half-way stage but an unnecessary run-out Imrul Kayes (60 runs off 100 balls) triggered the collapse in which they lost five wickets for just 15 runs between 31st and 40th over, at this stage they were looking down and out of the game with 169/8. However a superb effort from Mahmudullah (21 runs off 43 balls) and Shafiul Islam (24 runs off 24 balls) guided Bangladesh over the line with an over to spare. Both put on an unbeaten 58 runs partnership for the ninth wicket. This win has once again open the Group B scenario of any three from England, West Indies, South Africa, Ireland and Bangladesh now can qualify to the next round. With India almost certain for the next round and only a bad display from them can cause any damage to their chances of qualifying for the next round. Bangladesh who showed lot of characteristics in this game after a bad defeat against West Indies in the last game. It was England's second upset defeat in the tournament as their experienced bowlers buckled under pressure in the thrilling final moments to make the task easier for the hosts and i am sure whoever Bet for Bangladesh will have made good amount of money because even the Sites have not given any chance to Bangladesh to come out top against England.
Earlier Bangladesh chosen to bowl first after winning the all important toss, Bangladeshi bowler did a fantastic job to bowl out England on 225 inside 50 overs to take the slight advantage going into bat. Bangladesh almost messed up the run-chase by slumping to 169 to eight from a comfortable 155 for three, raising hopes of England, but Shafiul and Mahmudullah ensured that the hard work done by their bowlers does not go waste. England bowler especially Graeme Swann (2/42) and Ajmal Sahjad (3/43) tried their best to restrict Bangladesh from win but it was Mahmudullah and S.Islam who done the damage for England. Imrul Kayes was declared Player of the Match for his well compiled 60 runs. Match Summary (Bangladesh Won by 2 Wickets) England Inning– 225/10 in 49.4 Overs J.Trott- 67 E.Morgan – 63 Naeem Islam– 8-0-29-2 A.Razzak- 10-2-32-2 Bangladesh Inning– 227/8 in 49 Overs Imrul Kayes- 60 Shakib Al Hasan–32 A.Shahzad– 10-0-43-3 G.Swann- 10-1-42-2 |
