Asia Cup T20, India vs Bangladesh: Five talking points

#5 Bangladesh\'s inability to withstand pressure shows

Bangladesh were completely outplayed today in every department on the field

The home side began their Asia Cup campaign in an emphatic style, dismissing two of India’s best batsmen inside the powerplay overs. At the halfway stage, India were 53/2, and would have been looking at a target of 120-130 at best.

What transpired thereafter saw India plunder 113 runs in the final 10 overs, at a run-rate of 11.3 as compared to the rate of 5.3 rpo in the first 10. Much of this had to do with some ordinary fielding, that included a relatively simple chance off Rohit Sharma’s bat that was put down by Shakib at point.

Besides, the ground fielding wasn’t up to the mark as well, as Bangladeshi fielders fumbled on several occasions, conceding boundaries at times, and extra runs on other occasions.

Also, the bowlers lost their plot after the halfway stage, as the lengths became shorter and shorter, enabling the Indian batsmen to get under the ball and play the big shots with ease.

In cricket, especially in T20 cricket, momentum shifts with every ball, and the ability to withstand pressure and perform under it is one of the key qualities that a good T20 side must have. Bangladesh clearly failed on that front.

With the bat as well, the hosts started panicking from the first ball itself and opener Soumya Sarkar attempted a couple of rash shots against moving deliveries. Imrul Kayes and Shakib-Al-Hasan couldn’t handle the pressure applied by the Indian bowlers at all, as they found themselves completely at sea.

Kayes managed 14 off 24 while Shakib scored 3 off 8 as the run-rate crept on with every passing delivery.

Except Sabbir Rehman who made 44 of 32, none of the Bangladeshi batsmen could really trouble the scorers. Also, one of their best batsmen, Mahumudullah, batted at number seven, which is too low a position for a batsman of his calibre.

Bangladesh were outplayed today and failed in all three departments- batting, bowling and fielding.