|| CF Correspondent ||

Bangladesh’s hopes of a semi final place were dealt a terminal blow at Edgbaston, a 28 run loss ending their adventure and dashing dreams of World Cup glory.

Bangladesh reached Edgbaston on a wave of enthusiastic support, following an impressive World Cup run, chalking up wins against South Africa, West Indies and Afghanistan, the imposing figure of the World’s number one ranked side stood in the way of further progress. The fact that Bangladesh harboured realistic ambitions of toppling their neighbours spoke volumes about the confidence that had been instilled in the camp and the determination that had been bred from a vastly experienced core group.

The loss will be a bitter pill to swallow for those very reasons too; Bangladesh can be fairly described as being the architects of their own downfall, throughout the 98 overs played there were several key points when the game was crying out for the Tigers to assert authority, however with the bat and then ball various opportunities were missed. India for their part amassed 314 runs with assurance, when at one stage the 400 mark was under threat, and then never allowed significant partnerships to form by taking wickets at regular intervals. 

 

After losing the toss and being consigned to the field, a tight Bangladesh fielding display was imperative in the quest for wickets during the first powerplay, however it was not to be. Tamim dropping Rohit Sharma at deep backward square, when he was still in single figures, was the most obvious costly error as Rohit went on to top score with 104, the opening partnership accumulating 180 runs. Tamim has often appeared a brooding presence in the outfield during the tournament and at times self-absorbed, a mind not completely focused on the job of fielding, this proved to be the case when he never looked likely to take the catch that was generously offered.

 

However the drop itself wasn’t as damaging as it might have been, mainly thanks to an excellent late innings spell from the Fizz, a double wicket maiden in the 39th over forcing the Indians to re-build when they were looking to rapidly advance the score. Kohli was one of those victims, by his lofty standards a mediocre tournament with the bat continued. The enigma that is Virat Kohli was on full display; he unfurled a couple of silky drives during his knock, the bat seemingly striking the ball in slow motion and in the most natural manner. The petulant side of his game was also plain to see when he remonstrated forcefully with the umpires after a DRS decision went against his team and then when celebrating Sarker’s wicket.

It’s difficult to understand why the most gifted batsman of his generation would act in such a way; a lesser mortal could be excused for wanting to make up for short falls and mask insecurities by continually trying to seek advantage by pressurising umpires, but for Kohli the question remains unanswered. The compassionate side of his character was illustrated when he stopped to have a lengthy conversation with an elderly Indian fan ahead of the post-match presentation, his humble demeanour at odds with what had gone before.

 

A flurry of late wickets meant that Bangladesh approached the interval with cautious optimism, reaching a target of 315 on a wicket that had seen 150 overs of action in the past 3 days against a skilful and varied attack was a stiff challenge. But if Bangladesh wanted to seal their status as rightful diners at international cricket’s top table, rather than serial interlopers, it was a target that needed to be conquered.

 

The numerous 20’s and 30’s littering the Bangladesh batting card, points to the missed opportunities that will make this defeat hard to accept. Other than Shakib, who is in the middle of a perfectly timed purple patch and a prime candidate for player of the tournament, none of the other top order batsmen were able to make a significant dent in the run chase.

The manner of the dismissals will only compound the sense of self-inflicted pain, poor decision making leading to bad shot selection being a prime reason for the fall of regular wickets. While the younger members of the line up might be forgiven for aberrations, the likes of Tamim and Mushi  should be castigated for throwing their wickets away; Tamim weakly poking at a ball outside his off stump and playing on and Mushi sending a sweep straight into the gleeful hands of square leg.