Bangladesh thumps Netherland in style
by CricketArchive Staff Reporter


Ground:St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury
Scorecard:Bangladesh v Netherlands
Player:Mohammad Ashraful, Mahmudullah, Rubel Hossain
Event:ICC World Twenty20 2009

DateLine: 30th May 2009

 

The main feature of Bangladesh's second practice was some inspired batting and the Tigers really made it a joy-filled afternoon's cricket for the few hundred that came to the St. Lawrence Ground. Crossing 200 is a remarkable feat in a T20 match no matter who the opponents are but Bangladesh made it look easy after only 3 runs had come from the first two overs. In the 206 for 6 the Tiger made there were 18 fours and 10 sixes and the Netherlands to their credit didn't fare too bad either and had 14 boundaries and 5 sixes in their innings of 142.

 

Mohammad Ashraful's 40-ball onslaught that brought 69 runs (11x4) was complimented by the blitz from Mahmud Ullah (56 off 37; 3x4, 4x6) and then Roqibul Hassan (27 not out off 12; 1x4, 3x6) and Mushfiqur Rahim (24 off 8; 3x6). Ashraful cut the ball fiercely and only took the aerial route when the field was in. All the batsmen preferred the shorter boundary on the side of the spectators' stand and the flatness of the wicket ensured a spectacle for the fans.

 

Mahmud Ullah has been a revelation on the tour so far and followed up his 43 in the first match with another good innings here. Perhaps the only concern for the Bangladeshi team would be the fact that they allowed Netherlands to score at nearly 9 runs an over. Rubel was quick and hostile and had slipped in the bouncer with good effect every now and then. Two short pitched balls fetched him wickets and he also sent the middle stump of Netherlands captain J Smits cart wheeling with a yorker.