A view from the Gully (26 May 1999)

26 May 1999

A view from the Gully

Tawfiq Aziz Khan

Bangladesh achieved its primary objective in their 'one-match' World Cup campaign as they defeated Scotland in the latter's own courtyard. The 'Bravehearts' succumbed to the 'Bengal tigers' rather meekly at Edinburgh, the beautiful Scottish capital.

It was a historic day for Bangladesh cricket not because they defeated a team that is long on seniority in age and short on experience in ODIs, but because it was Bangladesh's first victory in a cricket World Cup debut appearance. There may be teams that will go back home without a success from this World Cup.

There are lot of stories about the spendthrift nature of the Scots but at the same time there are many stories that speaks of the love for freedom and independence of a valiant people. The recent elections to the Scottish Parliament after 300 years towards self-rule is a testimony to their thirst for freedom. Like the Irish they are also not as keen on cricket as they are in soccer and rugby.

With an average age of 30 years, the Scotland team is almost a club for the senior citizens with one of them, Ian Philip, fit at 41, actually took two catches to dismiss Akram and Enamul. Philip has been a good bat in his youth and his 234 against MCC in 1991 is his country's highest individual score.

Once again a disastrous start shook the very foundations of the Bangladesh innings on a bright day made difficult by a strong gale blowing at 135-150 miles an hour. The top order was toppled by Blain and Butt and the first five, shivering in their trousers because of the gail, produced only 10 runs from their bats. A sorry plight indeed. Akram and Aminul departed on identical scores and Faruq Ahmed caused his own downfall.

But the most senior player of the team, Minhazul Abedin, surviving some torrid moments and a dropped catch when he was only three, started following his younger partner Naimur Rahman and between them produced a precious 69-run 6th wicket partnership. Minhaz was lucky enough on this particular day to have survived many close calls to become the highest scorer for Bangladesh in this World Cup so far and was rightly adjudged the man of the match, the first Bangladeshi to have achieved the honour; many congratulations.

Once again the Scots lost their line and bowled as many as 28 wides and 11 no balls that enhanced the Bangladesh total. Enamul, also made handsome contributions while the regulars failed.

The Scots also started as badly as their opponents and depended on professional Gavin Hamilton and Alec Davies to take their team past Bangladesh. The situation became very grim for the 'tigers' until Hamilton was run out in most unfortunate manner in the non-striker's end which was the turning point of the game and Davies followed soon after. Bangladesh seamers Hasibul, Manzurul and Khaled bowled a perfect length and line.

The victory was expected but it hardly reflects the real strength of Bangladesh cricket.

New Zealand looked a beaten team right from the start at Southampton. After their dramatic win against Australia they were expected to put up a better show against the West Indies but an accurate and hostile spell from Walsh and Ambrose backed up by King and Simmons sent the Kiwis on the run for life as half the side was out for 59 runs only.

The West Indies took their sweet time to overhaul the Kiwi total that can make the difference at the end. In this Group B West Indies, Australia and New Zealand may end up on equal points when the net run rate will come into play. So a quicker finish without fuss should be attempted whenever possible.

Source :: The Daily Star