Bangladesh Vs Sri Lanka Quick Review – Finally a high scoring run chase! Sri Lanka win 4 in 4 as Bangladesh need to reflect on certain bowling decisions.
Moments of The Day: Batting Performances Mark High Scoring Day
Mohammad Naim continued his good form as he anchored the innings till the 16th over. It was Mushfiqur Rahim’s spectacular 57* that ensured Bangladesh went up to 171. The way he swept Hasaranga meant he only got 3 overs to bowl. After a poor run of form, good signs for Bangladesh that Rahim is back.
Sri Lanka had a similar story. Just like Rahim, birthday boy Rajapaksa kept the required rate in check during the middle overs, but the story of day was of Charith Asalanka—not only did he anchor the innings, he stayed till the end to see Sri Lanka get home.
Decision to hold Shakib & Fizz back contributed to Bangladesh’s loss. For the first 8 overs, it was anybody’s game. Then came in Shakib Al Hasan. Nissanka & Fernando both bowled throughout the gate. Bangladesh felt comfortable. Shakib still had 2 overs left. Instead of going for the jugular, two overs of Mahmudullah and one over from Afif Hossain brought Sri Lanka back into the game due to the presence of left handers. Finally, a 22-over from Saifuddin killed the chase. By the time Fizz and Shakib returned, SL only needed 24 of 24.
Lanka won by an over to spare and Shakib, higest wicket taker of the tournament so far, ended with only 3 overs…
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Liton Das
Liton Das had a poor day altogether.
16 (16), exchanged words with Lahiru Kumara after his dismissal, and dropped catches of both Asalanka and Rajapaksa, which were crucial moments in a close game.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Mohommad Naim – 126 runs (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Toss: England won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE
Umpires: Aleem Dar & Marais Erasmus
What Actually Happened
Winner: England won by 6 wickets
Scores: West Indies 55/10 – England 56/4
Player of the Match: Moeen Ali 2/17
Best Figures
Adil Rashid (2.2-0-2-4)
Akeal Hosein (4-0-24-2)
Most Runs
Chris Gayle – 13 (13)
Jos Buttler – 24 (22)
Moments of The Day: England All the Way
Moeen Ali reaps rewards – Moeen has had an interesting 2 years since COVID. Travelled for 2 years with the squad, did not get much game time. Got exactly one match in the Indian Test series, where he performed well before he was sent home due to miscommunication. A brilliant IPL with CSK at #3, where his role in England T20s was undefined. Finally a Test retirement after the India-England home series. In this game, he opened the bowling, bowled 4 overs in a row, bagged two wickets (including a maiden), batted at #4, and a difficult running catch. Perfect day out for Moeen.
Tymal Mills comes back to the international side after 4-5 years and makes an immediate impression with 4-0-17-2. What a story since his Hundred performances.
Akeal Hosein‘s bowling and marvelous catch captures West Indies’ disciplined fielding effort. Although they got out for a low total, it was good to see that they did not give up. Attacking field settings by Pollard as well.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: West Indies’ Worst Batting Effort
West Indies’ 55 all-out was the third lowest in all T20 World Cups, their 2nd lowest overall, their first loss to England in 6 attempts at T20 World Cups, and their biggest defeat in T20Is.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Mohommad Naim – 126 runs (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Toss: Australia won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Umpires: Michael Gough & Nitin Menon
What Actually Happened
Winner: Australia won by 5 wickets
Scores: South Africa 118/9 – Australia 121/5
Player of the Match: Josh Hazlewood 2/19
Best Figures
Josh Hazlewood (4-1-19-2), Adam Zampa (4-0-21-2)
Anrich Nortje (4-0-21-2)
Most Runs
Aiden Markram – 40 (36)
Steven Smith – 35 (34)
Moments of The Day: Fast Bowlers Shine As Smith, Finishers Save Australia
Fast Bowlers have a say in both innings – Hazlewood bagged the player of the match award with Starc (2/24) and Cummins (4-0-17-1). Nortje (2/21) & Rabada (1/28) with good figures from Australia as well.
The core of the Australian T20 batting is Maxwell, Smith, and Stoinis and all three came to the party with different roles to play. Smith stabilized the innings after Australia were struggling for 38-3 & Stoinis’ 24* (16) (and Wade’s 15* (10)) finished the game off when Australia were in a precarious position. However, it was Maxwell’s measly spell of 4-0-24-1 in the PowerPlay that set the tone.
South Africa squeeze – At the halfway stage, 118/9 did not inspire much confidence. Maharaj & Shamsi continued the pressure left from Rabada-Nortje with combined figres of 8-0-45-2 and backed it up with impressive fielding. Highlight of their fielding effort was Aiden Markram’s flying catch to dismiss Steve Smith.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Faf Du Plessis – Huge Gamble for South Africa?
Faf Du Plessis was in touching distance of becoming the Orange Cap holder in IPL 2021 and was literally Protea’s best player in the IPL. Additionally, the second leg of the IPL was held on the same pitches as the ongoing World Cup. With an impressive bowling line up, South Africa’s only clear weakness is the batting. Except for Quinton de Kock (who took the second game off for personal reasons) & Rassie van der Dussen, the rest of the batting does not inspire consistency. Faf will be missed in this T20 World Cup.
Who were the stars of the day? Steve Smith, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, and Marcus Stoinis, basically the 4 foreign players that play in the Delhi Capitals XI.
T20 World Cup Points Table, Stat Alert
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Mohommad Naim – 126 runs (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Sri Lanka Vs Netherlands Quick Review – There is not much to say for this one, is there? Just a shambolic performance by Netherlands as the Sri Lankan attack targeted the stumps.
By this time, it has been observed that Sri Lanka can be deadly on these pitches, especially Sharjah (where they play 3 matches in the Super 12s by the way). We knew the spinners and mystery from Sri Lanka would bamboozle the world, but Lahiru Kumara’s spell caught my eye. There was a perfect bouncer in the middle of his spell that captured his accuracy.
Kusal Perera hit 6 fours in his 33 to ensure that Sri Lanka stamp their authority on this game and end Round 1 of the T20 World Cup in style.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Doeschate Retires Without a Farewell
Ryan Ten Doeschate has been such a legend for the Netherlands, the original T20 globetrotter. Average of 67.00 (87.7 SR) in ODI cricket and 41.00 (132.91 SR) in T20I. Debuted in first class cricket way back in 2003. It was sad to see him leave the cricketing stage without a game. Final match, Dutch already out, but we did not see him again. Only 0 (1) in Campher’s 4 in 4. #BrokenCricketDream
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Max O’Dowd – 123 runs (Netherlands, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 9 wickets (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Toss: Ireland won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue:Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Umpires: Aleem Dar & Chris Brown
What Actually Happened
Winner: Namibia won by 8 wickets
Scores: Ireland 125/8 – Namibia 126/2
Player of the Match: David Wiese
Best Figures
Jan Frylinck – 3/21
Curtis Campher – 2/14
Most Runs
Paul Stirling 38 (24)
Gerhard Erasmus – 53* (49)
Moments of The Day: Namibia Hold Nerve As Ireland Crash Out
Paul Sitrling & Kevin O’Brien have served Irish cricket for more than a decade and they continued to deliver. A 62-run partnership in seven odd overs set the platform for Ireland. Unfortunately they could not capitalize.
Although the batters have been in focus in Namibia’s progress, do not discount the collective bowling performance. With Frylinck (3/21), Scholtz (1/25), JJ Smit (1/27), Wiese (2/22), and Trumpelmann/Ya France (economical), Ireland only added 59 runs in the last 76 balls.
Let us talk about the captain Gerhard Erasmus. Although Wiese got a player of the match for quickfire 28* (14) with two sixes, Erasmus held Namibia together (and Wiese himself said Erasmus should have received the award). Scoring 53 (29) and staying unbeaten to see his team through was an emotional moment. The mature innings magnified his leadership.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Ireland Get a Taste of Their Own Medicine
The Ireland cricket team was the pioneer of Associate nations. Their victory over Pakistan in 2007 CWC and further progress over the decade saw them receive Test status. They defeated Pakistan, England, West Indies in various stages and what happened today? Ireland were ‘upset’ by Namibia. Full circle. Crash out of the World Cup.
The qualification complicacies and Round 1 of the T20 World Cup make it near impossible for certain Associate teams to join the big teams in the Super 12s. Namibia did it the hard way, by defeating at least 15 different nations.
Namibia make the Super 12 after defeating Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Lesotho, Saint Helena, Ghana, Uganda, Botswana, Scotland, Bermuda, Kenya, Singapore, Oman, Netherlands and Ireland.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Max O’Dowd – 123 runs (Netherlands, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 9 wickets (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Scotland Vs Oman Quick Review – Broken Dreams for Oman as Scotland continue to impress.
Although Scotland had won 2 in a row, their progress to the Super 12s was not guaranteed due to Bangladesh’s comeback. A loss and they could have been out, but they held their nerve.
Moments of The Day: Bowlers Ensure Scottish Victory
Player of the match award went to yet another bowler, Josh Davey, with another 3+ wickets in an innings. Along with the emotional Safyaan Sharif, the form a good fast bowling partnership. Add spin of Mark Watt & Michael Leask, and Oman was squeezed for runs.
Captain comes to the party. Kyle Coetzer had come in with scores of 0 & 6. In a pressure match, he delivered, making sure the match does not go all the way to the end.
Watch out for Scotland’s top order. Today they all fired: Munsey (20), Coetzer (41), Cross (26*), and Berrington (31*)
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Oman Fail To Hold Their Nerve
Oman were 79-3 but could not deliver the finishing punch and ended with a paltry 122. Oman has been a wonderful host for the first leg of the tournament, and it is a shame that they had out to leave the stage with only 3 games. Hopefully they play more cricket again.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Max O’Dowd – 123 runs (Netherlands, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 9 wickets (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Toss: Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first.
Venue: Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Muscat, Oman
Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena & Richard Kettleborough
What Actually Happened
Winner: Bangladesh won by 84 runs
Scores: Bangladesh 181/7 – PNG 97/10
Player of the Match: Shakib Al Hasan
46 (37) & 4/9
Best Figures
Assad Vala/Kabua Morea – 2/26
Shakib Al Hasan – 4-0-9-4
Most Runs
Mahmudullah – 50 (37)
Kiplin Doriga – 46* (34)
Moments of The Day: Shakib Show All Over Again
Although Liton Das & Shakib Al Hasan gave Bangladesh a decent start, it was Mahmudullah’s impetus that led Bangladesh to a competitive total. From 72 in 10.2 overs to 181 in 20 overs.
This is Shakib’s 2nd player of the match in a row. Shakib is a World Cup man. First the 2019 World Cup and now the 2021 T20 World Cup. In these conditions, Shakib’s angle and spin, along with Mahedi Hasan’s accuracy, can choke the opposition.
Kiplin Doriga played another finishing knock to get PNG to a decent total. Without Doriga, they might have collapsed below 50.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Batting Failures Underlines PNG’s Campaign
97/10 is actually looks better than it actually was. Papua New Guinea were struggling for 29/7 at one stage. With that sort of a performance, victory at an international stage will be far away. In any case, it was a joy to have PNG at a World Cup. Great people, wonderful catching, and a beautiful story.
T20 World Cup Points Table, Stat Alert
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Max O’Dowd – 123 runs (Netherlands, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 9 wickets (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Moments of The Day: Hasaranga Here, Hasaranga There, Hasaranga Everywhere
Josh Little comes to the party – Little has been one of the positives from the Irish campaign. He gave Ireland the early boost with wickets of consecutive deliveries. What is the batter is the manner of dismissals – wonderful bowleds!
The Hasaranga-Nissanka partnership – Then came the game changing partnership – 123 (82). It was well paced. Not only did they provide recovery, they accelerated towards the end to get Sri Lanka to a winning total of 171.
Karunaratne (2/27)-Chameera (1/16)-Theekshana (3/17)-Hasaranga (1/12)-Kumara (2/22) near unplayable – With Stirling-O’Brien out early, Ireland never really built momentum. Each bowler contributed nicely. Although the mystery spinners are in focus, do not discount this fast bowling unit. Watch out for this Sri Lankan team in UAE conditions.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Ireland Fail to Assert Pressure
Sri Lanka were reeling at 8/3 in 1.4 overs with star batters Perera-Chandimal-Fernando out. However, Ireland failed to appoly pressure and saved the brilliant Josh Little for later. Why not go for the jugular right at the front?
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Max O’Dowd – 123 runs (Netherlands, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 9 wickets (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Toss: Namibia won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Umpires: Langton Rusere & Michael Gough
What Actually Happened
Winner: Namibia won by 6 wickets
Scores: Netherlands 164/4 – Namibia 166/4
Player of the Match: David Wiese
Best Figures
Jan Frylinck – 2/36
Pieter Seelar – 1/8 (& Fred Klassen 4-0-14-1)
Most Runs
Max O’Dowd – 70(36)
David Wiese – 66* (40)
Moments of The Day:
Max O’Dowd’s excellent form continues – Another 50 for O’Dowd. Stayed throughout the innings and made sure Netherlands reached a competitive total. The highest scorer of the tournament so far, he would be disappointed by the lack of support from others around him.
Erasmus provides impetus and Wiese finishes it off in style – When Williams and Baard departed in consecutive overs, Netherlands would have felt they are closer to victory. However a quickfire 32 (22) from captain Erasmus and Wiese’s out of the world 66* innings made sure Namibia finish it in style.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Netherlands Lose 2 in 2
In the 2019 T20 World T20 Qualifier, Netherlands emerged as the winner. They are currently #11 in the ODI circuit and received ODI status as well. You wonder then, how did they fail to prepare for the T20 World Cup?
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Max O’Dowd – 123 runs (Netherlands, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 9 wickets (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Bangladesh Vs Oman Quick Review – Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round performance with support from Naim and the Fizz made sure that the Tigers are still alive in the World T20.
Nerves were palpable as Bangladesh gave it their all to ensure they do not go out. Oman have points to ponder before their third game.
Toss: Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first.
Venue: Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Muscat, Oman
Umpires: Ahsan Raza & Chris Gaffaney
What Actually Happened
Winner: Bangladesh won by 26 runs
Scores: Bangladesh 153/10 – Oman 127/9
Player of the Match: Shakib Al Hasan
42 (29) & 3/28
Best Figures
Bilal Khan – 3/18
Mustafizur Rahman – 4/36
Most Runs
Mohammad Naim – 64 (50)
Jatinder Singh – 40 (33)
Moments of The Day: Naim, Shakib Key In Bangladesh’s Must-Win Victory
Mohammad Naim’s selection bring changes in fortune. Under dire circumstances, Bangladesh tried to change everything. Pushing Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah down the order and bringing Mahedi-Nurul-Afif up the order. Although this did not work, Naim’s selection over Sarkar did wonders. His 64 (50) set the platform for a decent total.
Shakib Al Hasan is back to form in a World Cup again. He was not the highest wicket taker today nor was he the highest run scorrer, but he kept Bangladesh together with contributions from both sides.
A word on Bilal Khan – 4-0-18-3 today. He is providing Oman the swing and wickets at the front and is a joy to watch. Hope we get to see more of him.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: The Collapse
At 81-2, Oman were in the game but ended with only 127/9 with collapse at 105/7. The net run-rate could be important at the end of this group.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
