A different challenge against New Zealand
I usually feel a subtle excitement on match days, but it was different during the match against South Africa. The vibe was so positive that it seemed to me that we were going to win effortlessly. It seemed that we could not lose the match.
At Oval, the body language of the players looked positive. Everyone was doing routine work and none had any anxiety over the match. There were no extra workouts in the pre-match warm-up. The players’ casual attitude indicated that they were not worried to face South Africa which was hungry to win a match after losing their opener against England.
Soumya and Tamim made a quick fire partnership of 60 runs. Soumya was in good touch from the outset. Tamim was a bit shaky. It can happen on any particular day. But a 50 plus opening partnership against a quality bowling pair of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi had set the tone for the team. Mushfique and Shakib’s partnership changed the course of the match. Both of them had shown aplomb. Proteas bowlers looked rather bleak against the two of ‘Fantastic Five’ of Bangladesh. It would have been better if one of them had made a century. But, it can happen in coming days.
Bangladesh’s finishing also showed consistency. We are finishing well in last five overs since Ireland tri-nation series. Riyad and Mosaddek are playing well in the late overs. Riyad’s blitzkrieg last overs helped Bangladeh post an imposing total. But the most important thing is that Bangladesh’s innings was an example of team effort where everyone had their contribution.
Bringing Miraz into the attack in the first over did not surprise me. There was a slight grip in the wicket. Miraz was a perfect choice against Quinton de Kock. Bangladesh needed an early wicket despite posting a well defendable total. Miraz and Mustafiz created the necessary pressure on Proteas batsmen from the very beginning. They bridled in the scoring from early on.
Bowling speed of Mustafizur was a delight to watch. He proved that everyone feels pressure against 140 kmph deliveries. Getting one like Mustafiz in the squad is strength. We have a misconception that only Bangladesh feels discomfort against pace bowling. No one wants to face a ball of 140 kmph.
Bangladesh had executed their plan very well. We could only execute 50-60 per cent of plans in the past. But we can implement 85-90 per cent of our plan nowadays. A lot of people contend that the team showed professionalism. But Bangladesh players are showing professionalism for quite some years now. We batted well in last World Cup too. We do not brag about our abilities but we should keep faith in ourselves.
It was nice to see that no players exhibited their exuberance after winning. We used to express our delight explicitly in the past. But, we have learnt to take the win easily and make it a habit.
It was our second World Cup win against South Africa. After the match, I reminisced the win against South Africa in the 2007 World Cup as I was part of that team. But this time the win was different.
We will face New Zealand on Wednesday. Although the match venue is the same (Oval), but wicket is different. The challenge will be different too. Wickets of Oval are always batting friendly. So, toss is not that important to me even the match is a day-night one. I hope Mashrafe and co will carry the fabulous form of first match against New Zealand. I wish all the best to our team.
*The piece, originally, published in Prothom Alo online has been rewritten in English by Galib Ashraf.