Story Go Tigers Go - A Bangladesh Story! | ICC Cricket World Cup 2011

[riz7khan12]

love the fact that Milne is in the squad for NZ, he's definitely up there in terms of express pace but his line & lenght isn't at all perfect so interesting to see how he does.

 

[Varun]

Looking this as a Bangladesh story, I feel pretty excited of the fact that the inaugural match of this world cup is taking place with the Banglas versing India.

Both the squads look good in bits and pieces. While the Bangladeshi batsmen look more promising, along with Mortaza who's the allround star, India look a bit weak in their bowling sector, I'd say overrelying on Zaheer and Harbhajan (Harbhajan for being economical). Their batting attack though, rejoices you with all the big names in there.

And with User playing, it'd be an absolute thriller to watch and read the updates (by watch I mean the highlights). Pretty excited beforehand.

 

[Gaurav_7]

Preview​

It is here, it is finally here! In a day's time, we will see the apex tournament begin in Sher-E-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka. It will be the co-hosts, the home side Bangladesh taking on the Indians in the opening game of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. The stage is set and it is a matter of time till we see the new World Champion...

As A Bangladeshi supporter, it brings joy to see the Tigers take on the Indians first up as Bangladesh have already upset India once in previous World Cup. It led to the elimination of team India and meant Bangladeshis advance to the next stage. But, was it just a shot in dark? Or, Can Tigers prove they are the Kings? Their recent series against New Zealand at home shut many critics as they whitewashed the Kiwis 4-0. The two practice matches against Canada and Pakistan were pleasing for a Bangla fan as Bangladesh beat both their opponents comfortably.

The dashing opener, Tamim Iqbal and a talented middle order duo of Ashraful and Aftab Ahmed will look to provide a solid beginning while Wicket Keeper batsman Rahim along with Skipper Al Hasan will want to make sure there are no hiccups in the way. The Skipper will also have to stop the flow of runs along with other spinning options with pace bowlers looking to make early in-roads. If all goes well, we might see 'the minnows' not being 'minnows' anymore.

India riding on their wins against Australia and New Zealand enter into this opening match confident and with a point to prove. Everybody seems to know their roles very well. Not even a single player looks out of touch. This unit looks a determined one this time round to go one step further than Ganguly's team of 2003. But, the same was said before the previous World Cup until the Tigers came in their way...

The batting department is a very healthy one with Tendulkar, Sehwag, Gambhir, Yuvraj, and others to follow. A match winner on his given day, anyone. With this being Sachin's last World Cup supposedly, he will want to finish it in a grand style. Indians are already dreaming of him hitting a century in the Wankhede in the final and leading India to their second World Cup. Will this just remain a dream or will Sachin turn it into a reality? We have to just wait and watch.

Bowling department looks flat bar Zaheer and Harbhajan. Umesh Yadav can be a surprise package given he plays. Will be a huge ask for other bowlers if Khan or Harbhajan struggle. On flat decks and batsman looking to utilize power plays, it will be interesting to see how MS Dhoni goes about his bowlers.

Quotes :

Both the teams are rearing to go. Shakib Al Hasan, earlier today in the press said, "We have been consistent now in the past 4 to 5 months and will look forward to continue it. India are a good side but we have the talent to beat any side."

Mr. Cool, MS Dhoni when asked about the fear of Bangladesh replied, "This is a new tournament and a new team. We don't worry too much about what happened in the past and will look forward to play good cricket throughout this series."

Probable Teams :

Bangladesh : T Iqbal, I Kayes, M Ashraful, A Ahmed, S Al Hasan (C), M Rahim (WK), Mahmudullah/N Islam, M Mortaza, A Razzak, S Shuvo, S Rasel/S Islam.

India : S Tendulkar, V Sehwag, G Gambhir, C Pujara/V Kohli, Y Singh, S Raina, MS Dhoni (C) (WK), H Singh, Z Khan, P Kumar, I Sharma/U Yadav.

 

[Meet]

India will definitely take revenge and give tough fight to the Banglas.Bangla were lucky last time to win against mighty Indians but they won't be able to do it this time.I would love to see Pujara playing for the Indians.For Bangla Tamim would be noticeable.

 

[Gaurav_7]

Pitch Report & Toss​

Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the first match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 live from Sher-E-Bangla stadium in Dhaka. It is the home side Bangladesh versus another hosts India today. We have just witnessed one of the amazing opening ceremonies and also the toss has happened.

We take a look at the team sheets here, and as we can see both the teams are pretty much as expected. There were talks of Umesh Yadav playing early on from the Indian camp but they have persisted with Sharma who didn't have very good practice games. A new game, a new day, he will look forward to deliver. Bangladeshis look a very good unit with Iqbal, Ahmed, Ashraful, Shakib and others and they will dearly want Tamim to have a go initially while Ashraful firing in the middle of the innings.

It is Bangladesh who have won the toss and Skipper Shakib has chosen to bat first on a beautiful looking wicket. It will offer some help early on for the seam bowlers and Indians will look to utilize that. Tigers' openers Iqbal and Kayes will look to play the initial overs carefully. Once that is done, there are runs and runs on this batting paradise. So, sit back but don't relax as we're minutes away from the start of the game...

 

[Meet]

If India gets the man called Tamim early on, than there will be a lot of pressure on the batsmen to follow him.But if he gets going, it will directly put pressure on Indian bowlers.Indians will be a lot dependent on Zaheer.
@User-Just a suggestion to put up expected total in first and second innings.And if the team batting first have a good advantage or batting second.

 

[Gaurav_7]

@User-Just a suggestion to put up expected total in first and second innings.And if the team batting first have a good advantage or batting second.

Didn't get what you're trying to say here.

 

[6ry4nj]

@User-Just a suggestion to put up expected total in first and second innings.And if the team batting first have a good advantage or batting second.

Well there was a pitch report that said early movement - loads of runs later on. Implying advantage to team batting second.

You only really get expected totals by asking the captains, so that would require mini-interviews at the toss. Still possible, but certainly not necessary imho.

 

[AbhishekS]

Zaheer needs to take the early advantage to send back Tamim. If that doesn't happen, Bangladesh might put on a competitive score. Don't know why, but I am expecting Kayes to score a century in this match, if Tamim gets out early.

 

[Gaurav_7]

You only really get expected totals by asking the captains, so that would require mini-interviews at the toss. Still possible, but certainly not necessary imho.

Oh, yes. I used to do those interviews and stuff earlier but, want to get started soon so I've cut most of the unnecessary part.

 

[Aditya]

Bangladesh to play well but India will win this match!

 

[qpeedore]

Yeah, Tigers! Go Bangladesh!

Half century for Tamim. Half century from Imrul. Contributions right down the order. 280+ is on the cards!

 

[Varun]

As stated by User, Seamers are the one to look out for. Khan can topple a wicket or two in the first crucial overs of the Bangladeshi innings. Praveen Kumar can wreak havoc with his swingers, and if Ishant manages his pace and length, he can slice a wicket here and there too.

So, if Bangladesh survive the trio attack, it's their game. But if don't, then India all the way.

 

[Dutchmen]

Hey there, haven't looked at your story from top to bottom but sinces you are starting about the World Cup I'd support Dutch. so hopefully they at least reach Quarter-finals.

 

[Gaurav_7]

Bangladesh Innings​

Bangladesh began their innings with a bang! But, it wasn't Tamim who was delivering the goods instead Kayes had an early shout at the Indians. The initial swing wasn't much to trouble any of the openers though there were some misses as the ball refrained from touching the bat. Frustration was creeping for the Indian pace bowlers and what did 'Salt on the wound' was Iqbal finding his feet in the middle. He started off very slowly but as the time passed he began to score freely. Praveen Kumar was punished severly especially by Kayes. The Tigers were off to flying start as the home side reached 50 off just 6.4 overs.

The opening partnership was growing and with it were growing the worries of Indian Captain MS Dhoni as the team lost Ishant Sharma's services who came as a first change bowler. He could bowl only two overs as he twisted his ankle in his second over. He had to leave the field and then Dhoni brought in Harbhajan Singh pretty early than expected. Kayes was looking all set for a big one while Tamim was still playing a waiting game. Kayes tried to dislodge Bhajji's rhythm by having a go at him straightaway but it had a reverse effect on him. Trying to sweep one, he got the leading edge and was easily taken by Zaheer Khan at fine leg. 70 runs was what the first wicket put up for the Bangladeshis.

Dhoni brought Yuvraj Singh into the attack from the other end. And as it has been for India, spinners did the job very well. Both Yuvi and Bhajji got quick wickets as Ashraful and Aftab Ahmed were shown the way to the pavillion. Ashraful couldn't handle a quicker one from Yuvraj while Ahmed went for a big heeve which resulted in him getting caught at the hands of Viru Sehwag. In just 12 runs Bangladesh had lost 3 quick wickets as Indians came back into the game.

In the 18th over, India thought they had another one as Yuvraj went up for LBW appeal. Simon Taufel turned it down. Skipper Dhoni decided they will review the decision. Afterall it was Tamim Iqbal who was looking dangerous and nearing his fifty. The commentators and we all were surprised at the call though as it seemed Tamim actually got the bat on it. The hot-spot below shows umpire Simon Taufel was right.

BCCI's Ignorance to UDRS responsible for this?

Soon after that Tamim Iqbal reached his half century and a very solid innings from the Bangladeshi perspective. It wasn't the usual Tamim innings. He had to work for the runs and sweat it out in the middle. There was still some work to be done though...

It was the 4th wikcet partnership between Skipper Al Hasan and Tamim that brought Bangladesh out of a spot. 105 runs stand between the two made sure there weren't any dramas in the middle and Bangladesh were on the right lane. Skipper played a wonderful little knock as he kept rotating the strike over. His 36 runs came off 51 deliveries with just a lone boundary in it. He did well to support Tamim Iqbal who seemed to be playing innings of his life.

The moment everyone in the crowd were waiting for came in the 38th over as Tamim Iqbal reched his 4th One Day International Hundred. Everyone were on their feet as this was something special. It came off 121 balls with 12 fours but no six. He was determined to take this further and more further...

It was in the same over that Skipper fell. Bangladesh opted for the batting powerplay in the 39th over with Rahim new to the crease. But, Tamim was there and he was set. It began brilliantly for the home team as they got 23 in the first two overs. But, Rahim in the process of scoring quickly perished. Mahmudullah and Tamim played steadily after that and kept on scoring. It was the mis-communication that led to the downfall of Mahmudullah as he fell short of his ground while coming for the second run. It was the last over then which saw Tamim getting to his 150 as he remained not out on 150 off 163 deliveries with 13 fours and 3 big hits. Mortaza was out in the last over trying to clear the in-field.

Bangladesh finished on 265 for 7 in their 50 overs. And, now it is on the Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar to provide a solid start to the co-hosts. Will it be something similar to WC 2007 or will India chase down this total? We'll have to wait and see!

Here is how Tamim Iqbal went about in his innigs of 150 not out as he scored his runs all around the park.

The statistical graphs of the Bangladeshi innings look as follow -

The scorecards here with Tamim Iqbal standing tall in the batting department for Bangladesh while Harbhajan Singh for India doing the same in the bowling department -

We will be back after the break with Indian chase, don't go anywhere!