First match of 2012, against the dreaded Sri Lankans, All their bowlers averaging 20 or under. I start badly, losing 4 wickets for 80, but then Naeem Islam hits 67, supported by Mahmudullah with a gritty 49 off 220 balls. Mahmudullah also shared the crucial partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim, propelling us to 329, a very good score.
Mortaza (In his return after a 3 year absence) got a wicket on the first ball of the innings, but then Mathews and Kapugedera put on 75 before Shuvo ended Mathews' innings. Mortaza then took his second wicket, the prized one of Jayawardene for 3 and they were 3/120. Silva and Samaraweera then put on 110, before Silva fell to Shuvo. I took the new ball and Mortaza ripped through, taking 3 wickets and ensuring a miniscule 11 run lead.
The second innings was worse than the first, only Tamim Iqbal stuck it out for 44 as we lost 6/115. Shakib came in with a cool head, and was batting with Shuvo for 65 runs in about 25 overs, then with Mortaza for another 50 runs, when he departed Shakib was 20 runs away from a century. Subashis Roy, coming off a king pair in the last match stayed in for 10 overs and almost got Shakib to triple figures. In the end, it was 276 hard fought runs, setting Sri Lanka 287 to win on a day 5 pitch.
Mortaza started well again, taking 1/14 in his first spell of 10 overs, then another wicket in his second. With help from Roy, Sri Lanka were 3/70 by lunch on day 5. Jayawardene hung around and with Perera, and frustrated the bowlers until Shuvo struck with three quick wickets. At tea, Samaraweera was batting with Saman at the other end, Sri Lanka 6/130. First over, Shuvo gets Saman out, bringing Kulasekara to the crease. Half an hour later, they're still there and I take the new ball. After an 8 over spell, Mortaza comes charging in and takes away Samaraweera's off stump. 8/180 and Mortaza is on fire. The tail enders offer solid resistance though, and it was looking grim, before I bring back Mortaza for his 4th spell. He bowls another 10 overs and takes both wickets with only 26 minutes left in the match!
Bangladesh have won by 66 runs, yet somehow Kulasekara gets man of the match over Mortaza! WTF The man took 10 for the match! Even so it was a great match, much fun playing it
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