After Bangladesh had defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup T20, Pakistan were looking to get back to winning ways against their Asian foes at a happy hunting ground in the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. What ensued was a supreme all-round performance with both bat and ball from the Pakistani players giving them the perfect start to the ICC World T20.
Pakistan, who have been struggling with the bat, came up with an excellent batting performance to post a total of 201. Fifties from Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Hafeez helped set the right foundation for Pakistan's captain, Shahid Afridi who came in and scored 49 off 14 balls.
Bangladesh did not get going in the chase as they fell short by 55 runs and will be disappointed with their performance. Only Shakib Al Hasan and Sabbir Rahman showed some fighting spirit with a hard-fought half-century.
Shahid Afridi, the Man-of-the-match, said: “My performances play a key role, but I was hungry. I was keen to perform well for my country in this event. It's a big event as captain, as senior player, I had to lead by example.
“I spoke to the coach and he said okay. I love to give chances to the rest of the batsmen, but sometimes. I think from the last two three series, the batsman struggled to find runs. First six overs was important and Hafeez and Shehzad did very well. That was what we missed in the batting, the partnerships.
“Openers are very important, Shehzad and even Sharjeel can be very attacking too, If he stays first six overs, the team will have 50-60. I expect them to perform well, as a captain. I don't want to talk about the past, we should learn from our mistakes and India have been playing good cricket, even with the last loss.
“Captaincy is not an easy job, but when the team gives you 100 percent, I enjoy it. People expect me to bat and ball as well and I enjoy both.”
Losing captain, Mashrafe Mortaza said: “Two hundred is always difficult with Pakistan bowling attack. And after six overs it was almost impossible. Shakib batted very well and we got 150, so it’s not that bad.
“We have to bowl better, we didn't bowl well today. First six overs we couldn't get much runs with the bat either. You can't practice much, you have to be mentally strong. With Australia's batting, it will be hard and Bangalore wicket will be flat. Bowling group must bring better plans. Mustafiz is getting better, hopefully he will be back.”
Here are the reactions from the cricketing fraternity:
English cricketer, James Taylor:
Former Indian cricketer and current commentator, Aakash Chopra:
Former England cricketer, Michael Vaughan:
Pakistan cricketer, Saeed Ajmal:
Former Indian cricketer, Mohammad Kaif:
Former Indian cricketer, Anil Kumble:
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