By Rex Clementine
Everyone seem to be lamenting that the pitches during the World Cup aren’t producing high scoring games. But then of course, these low scoring thrillers have been a treat to watch. New York saw another close encounter with South Africa edging out Bangladesh by four runs in another last over thriller on Monday.
South Africa have had their series of misfortunes when it comes to World Cup eliminations, but for once, they had luck on their side.
Seam bowling is one area Bangladesh have improved leaps and bounds in recent years. They are without their premier quick Shoriful Islam, but Tanzim Hasan and Taskin Ahmed put out quite a show sharing five wickets between them,
At 23 for four, inside the Power Play, South Africa were in all sorts of trouble. Heinrich Klaasen (46) and David Miller (29) were involved in a rescue act but even then, Bangladesh should have got the 114.
The 17th over of Bangladesh innings proved to be crucial. The ball hit Mohammad Mahmudullah’s pad and went for four. The umpire had given the batter out and hence the runs weren’t counted as the ball would become dead the moment the umpire raises the finger. However, the batsman reviewed. The out decision was overturned, but the four leg-byes weren’t given. Maybe it’s time to relook at the Laws of Cricket. Had those four runs been given this would have been a tie. Maybe a win for Bangladesh as well as they wouldn’t have taken too many risks.
In the next over, top scorer Towhid Hridoy (37) was given out leg before wicket. It was another marginal decision. Bangladesh needed 11 runs off the last over and Keshav Maharaj was entrusted with the job and he finished things off in style to earn his team a hard-fought victory and a place in the second round.
South Africa ended up defending their lowest ever target. This was some game.
It’s not all over for Bangladesh. They’ve got Netherlands and Nepal next up and wins in those two games will take them to the Super Eight stage.
