Bangladesh vs Pakistan- Quick flicks and key takeaways from the game

Perfect playing conditions at the Pallekele Cricket stadium and we saw some entertaining cricket. A blend of composure, class and power by Shakib helped Bangladesh reach a more than competitive total of 175. But Pakistan needed just 140 in order to qualify for the super eights because of their superior NRR. The target was a stiff one, Pakistan needed their top order to fire and they responded brilliantly. Imran Nazir played a blinder of an innings, scoring 72 of just 36 balls. Hafeez gave him good company, playing the sheet anchor’s role.

The bowling was pretty ordinary from both the sides, thus resulting in such high scores. Shakib as always found himself as the lone fighter for Bangladesh. Ajmal, Hafeez and Gul, all had an off day at the office. Pakistan would be happy to see Nazir return back to form. In the end, Pakistan cruised to victory winning it by 8 wickets and with 8 balls to spare and with it guaranteeing a spot for themselves in the super eight.

It was a pretty eventful match and had its moments and key takeaways.

Tanvir drops a dolly

Sohail Tanvir needs to get his basics straight. He came in to bowl the first over of spell and overstepped, kept bowling short and then missed one of the easiest catches a fielder could ever hope for. Pakistan were miserable with their catching as well as their ground fielding. Kamran Akmal dropped a sharp chance too, you expect them to be taken at this level though. Thankfully for the Pakistani’s the dropped chances didn’t cost them much.

Pakistan need Gul and Ajmal to fire

It was pretty evident from today’s match that when Gul and Ajmal fail to contain the batsman or dismiss them, Pakistan appear to be in dire straits. Gul and Ajmal both were on the shorter side today and thus couldn’t extract any purchase from the wicket. They need to pitch it up or else the batsman would easily rock back onto his backfoot and punch them around for runs. If these two struggle, then Pakistan would find it very difficult to restrict the batting team to a below par score.

Gul sharing a word or two with Shakib

Flustered by his awful performance, Gul started to blurt out his frustration by having a word with Shakib in the 18th over after he missed an attempted scoop shot. Gul ended up giving away 43 runs in 3 overs, spraying the ball around. Shakib in his calm and compose manner avoided any argument with Pakistan pace man and continued on with his game.

Shakib- One man army

A few people can take the load of carryying an entire team on their shoulders. Shakib has been doing it day in and day out. He comes in at no. 3 with the job of consolidating as well as scoring quickly. He is even burdened with bowling four quality overs of spin but he never shies away from the big stage. Shakib has single-handedly won many games for Bangladesh. His all round abilities, temperament on on-field compusure are commendable. He scored a breath-taking 84 against Pakistan and bowled his 4 overs for less than a run a ball. He is truly worthy of the tag of the best all-rounder in the world.

Dropping sitters is getting contagious

Abul Hassan was another victim of butter fingers when dropped a sitter at mid on. The ball climbed onto Nazir and he managed to hit it straight into the air, only to see it drop back onto the ground. Unlike the Bangladeshi’s, Nazir made Bangladesh pay for their errors in the field. He scored a blistering 72 of 36 balls which just took the game away from the opposition.

The LBW that wasn’t given

Nazir had taken the attack to the Bangladeshi’s and once again they turned to Shakib to stop the storm and bail them out. He nearly pulled it out for Bangladesh when he struck Nazir on the pads. Replays suggested that the LBW was very much out. That decision literally cost the Bangladeshi’s a spot in the next stage of the World Cup. DRS anyone?

Nazir is back.

Imran Nazir is back in form for Pakistan. He was in amazing touch tonight, putting away even the good balls for boundaries. Chasing a huge total, Pakistan needed a flyer and Nazir provided the same. Pakistan would hope that he continues his good form in the tournament with the business end coming up.

Pakistan won by 8 wickets

Man of the match- Imran Nazir.