What did I see in Mirpur on 19-Feb-2011

Sehwag? You may get a platitude of articles over that. A lot of people use better adjectives than me. So, I don’t write Sehwag.

I don’t like to write to post match analysis. Watching the game satiates me. After an event has taken place, typically, most of the humanity is good at rationalizing and ‘presenting’ his rationalization in most apt manners. I don’t do even that.

We are poor forecasters, but still that’s a fun thing to do (check pic below).

Bangladesh are progressing fast since 2010 (I noticed by that time). Many of us believe that bowling is India’s weak link. Many of us might have felt vindicated when Bangladesh were 50 after 5 overs. While the bowling attack is weak, no doubt; but, don’t be surprised if you see Bangladesh are 40/0 after 5 against England. They are a better team than most of us believe, and I am sure many of us may reach this conclusion after the world cup.

Don’t be surprised, don’t be surprised at all, if they nail England/ SA(yes)/WI on a slow track. Mind you, India batted exceptionally well. And still Bangladesh were not scared. Don’t think India’s bowling was poor. Except for Sree, Zak, Harbhajan, Munaf, were bang on. Bangladesh still got close to 300. Had Sehwag been out for 60, and ad they got India for around 300, it would have been a match on.

On a slow track, Steyns could be manageable and ineptitude of English (Morgan not playing, who saved them last winter) and Protean batters against spin makes situation very interesting. I am not saying Bangladesh are a contender suddenly. Styne and Morkel may have them 10/4, but I am telling you, it is going to be more interesting than you think.

Now to India, a lot of people are saying a lot of funny things about them. I read they are in ‘Catch 22 situation’, they are ‘under pressure to perform at home’, all that. All these people are actually scared of them. Especially now. It’s amusing. India’s world cup campaign has got best possible start. A confident display with a reality check. Any opposition is not going to be a walk over.

The most curiously watched players for me are Kohli and Duminy. There is nothing to be said about Kohli. Nothing is actually left to be said about him and his application.

Duminy showed what he is capable of during his debut series against Australia. Then he lost it. But now, he is coming off nicely and he could be pivotial in South Africa’s lower middle order. I believe South Africa’s fortune depend a lot on how he and du Plessis go.