Tigers in final
Crush Pakistan by five wickets in key encounter
Syed Mohammed Pithu
Bangladesh weathered an adrenaline-pumping moment in a steely resolve to qualify for the Asia Cup final after securing a pulsating five-wicket win over Pakistan yesterday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Mahmudullah Riyad led the victory, playing a brief but handy 22 not out which steered Bangladesh to a winning total of 131 for five in 19.1 overs after Pakistan recovered from 28 for four to post a decent 129 for seven.
Riyad confirmed the victory with a deep mid-wicket boundary which set Sundays final against India. The victory not only sent Pakistan packing but at the same time Sri Lanka also made their exit from the final race.
More essentially the victory also buried the nightmare of Riyad who was in the crease during Bangladeshs two-run defeat against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup final. It came as a welcome relief for the batsman who later disclosed the pain he was going through in the last four years.
The final of the Asia Cup in 2012 was on my mind, this win will help us forget that.
But the victory which should come at ease after Soumya Sarkar provided a platform with a run-a-ball-48. The poor choice of shot of the senior players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan almost cost the game. Even though Rahims leg-before decision seemed dubious according to a video replay, his reverse-sweep against Shoaib Malik was imprudent given the progress of the match.
Shakib Al Hasan also perished to a similar shot against a highly pumped-up Mohammad Amir to leave the full house crowd in a state of shock.
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza breathed life to the packed Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, hitting Amir consecutive boundaries. Given his vulnerability against fast bowlers, it was surprising to see him coming in the crease ahead of genuine batsman Mohammad Mithun but the captain later disclosed he wanted to take the responsibility. Mashrafes those two boundaries off Amirs searing yorker and rip roaring bouncer took away the pressure which was created after the dismissal of Shakib.
With 18 runs needing in last two overs, fast bowler Mohammad Sami conceded two no-balls, one of which Riyad cut past the point to hit boundary. It left Bangladesh needing just three runs to win in the last over. Riyad faced the first ball of Anwar Ali to hit a boundary to the wild delight of the home crowd. He finally hit two fours and one six in 15 balls, which turned out to be match winning knock.
But the run-a-ball-48 runs of opener Soumya Sarkar against a high quality Pakistan attack helped Bangladesh stay in the race. He dealt with Pakistani fast bowler with huge serenity after losing his senior teammate Tamim Iqbal for seven and in-form Sabbir Rahman for 14. Soumya was the third batsman to be out after hitting five fours and one six.
With the final spot up for grab, the rejuvenated Bangladesh bowling attack jumped to the Pakistan like hound right after Shahid Afridi won the toss and elected to bat first. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed delivered a fiery opening spell which read 3-1-2-1 while his new ball partner Al-Amin Hossain troubled the batsman with awkward bounce. Al-Amin claimed three for 25.
Pakistan were 34 for four after 10 overs, their lowest total in T20s after that point. Sarfraz Ahmed led Pakistans recovery with an unbeaten 58. He and Shoaib Malik, who scored 41, combined in a 70-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan and Arafat Sunny backed Taskin and Al-Amin well to pave the platform of victory.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, an ardent sports lover, was present at the ground and was seen ecstatic after the thrilling finish to the match. After the match, the president, the premier, and the BNP chief comgratulated the Tigers on their victory.
