England VS Bangladesh T20 Series
2nd Match Played at SBNCS on 12 March 2023
Bangladesh 120/6 (Nazmul Hossein 46*, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 20, Jofra Archer 3/13,)
England 117 All Out (Ben Duckett 28, Phil Salt 25, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 4/12)
Bangladesh Won By 4 wickets
Bangladesh Leads the 3 matches Series (2-0)
Player of the Match Mehidy Hasan Miraz
T20 Champions World Champions England humbled by Bangladesh. Winning two matches on the trot Bangladesh wrapped up the first bilateral T20 series 2-0 with a match to play.
England came to Bangladesh with the thought of winning ODI and T20 series very comfortably. They won the first two ODI matches all right wrapping up the series. But Bangladesh bounced back brilliantly in the third ODI reducing the margin 2-1.
Tides turned as Bangladesh shocked Champions in the first T20 at Chattogram by 50 Runs. Today on a gripping, bouncing and turning track managing a win by 4 wickets Bangladesh added yest another page of gold in its cricket history. The new look Bangladesh has started believing.
Bangladesh is definitely coming to terms with the shortest format of the game under very dynamic leadership of Shakib Al Hasan. On a very difficult wicket England encountering a probing Bangladesh attack and razor sharp fielding managed scoring 117 all out. Bangladesh labored hard but effectively overhauling the target scoring 120/6.
After brilliant Bangladesh win at Chattogram in match one all thought that world champions will be bouncing back heavily in match two. But Bangladesh getting wind in their sail looked different. As soon as Shakib won the toss and put England to bat Bangladesh bowlers and fielders unleashed a planned mission.
On a wicket gripping, bouncing and turning all bowlers including Taskin, Mustafiz and Hasan Mahmood gave nothing to free stroking English batsmen. Taskin stuck the first blow removing David Malan promoted to open the innings. Mustafiz also discovered the grip of wicket and started stinging. However Salt and Moeen Ali kept it going. Shakib coming into attack had Salt caught and bowled after England reached 50. But England got rocked when Hasan Mahmood disturbed the furniture of English Captain Jos Buttler with a superb yorker for only four. From there on Bangladesh bowlers craftily exploited the turn and bounce of the wicket. Shakib smartly held himself back and forced English left handers playing off spinners.
Mehidy Miraz rattled English batsmen with his clever off spin turning sharply and bouncing prodigiously. Only Ben Duckett fought. But Mehidy taking 4/13 in his four overs crashed England to a miserable 117 All Out. Shakib used as many as 8 bowlers never allowing any batsmen any breathing space. Bangladesh not only bowled brilliantly but also took some smart catches. One catch that Shanto took was superb. Two very smart stumping of Litton off the bowling of Miraj also led to the low score of England.
The wicket was not easy. Not only stroke playing but also defending was easy at all. Litton and Rony tried to remain positive. But on a helpful wicket Curran and Archer had them early. However, Shanto continuing his brilliant form and rookie Hridoy stemmed the rot with a steady 29 third wicket partnership. Shakib held himself back promoting Miraz. These days whatever he does turns gold. A brave 20 of 16 deliveries by Mehedi and 41 runs 4th wicket partnership between him and Shanto turned the tide in favor of Bangladesh. Shanto continued his good works holding the innings together. Shakib looked a bit complacent. Him getting out for a nought and Afif cheaply for 2 almost revered the tide. But Shanto hold his nerve and committed Taskin striking two hefty blows ensured that Bangladesh got across the rope scoring 120/6 in 18.5 Overs. Whoever says what Bangladesh was by far the better side on the day. Jofra Archer bowling at express pace taking 3/13 almost snatched the match. But Shantos unbeaten 46 of 47 deliveries yet again proved that he is already a champion Batsman of Bangladesh in all format.
Bangladesh wrapping up the series 2-0 against the world champion has added a new page to the history of Bangladesh Cricket. One must admire the way Shakib handled his resources.
BDST: 1724 HRS, MAR 12, 2023
MSK/SMS
