Bangladesh miss out on Super League

Bangladesh beat Holland in a rain affected group B match at the Moratuwa De Soysa Stadium in Colombo. In reply to Holland's 137, Bangladesh were 111 for 5 before rain forced the players off the field after 24.5 overs. When play resumed, Bangladesh were set a revised target of 118 in no more than 39 overs, 11 overs being lost to rain. They needed just five balls to complete the win, no further wickets being lost. Bangladesh narrowly miss out on qualifying for the Super League, finshing third in the Group behind India and New Zealand.

At the outset there was the very real possibility that Bangladesh could qualify. They knew what they must do - simply win and win well in a bid to improve on their run rate. Hopes then rested squarely on the Indians beating New Zealand in Galle, the second qualifier then being decided on run rate. All then to play for.

The game began with a flourish. Roaring in from the Press Box end in bright sunshine, Bangladesh left arm seamer Bikash Ranjan Das met with immediate success - Postma prodding half forward to the first ball of the day, out caught with the faintest of edges to the keeper. Bikash broke the backbone of Holland's order. Bakas, Nawaz and Van Ierschot all went cheaply. At 17 for 4, Bangladesh were in total command.

The new batsmen, Van Bunge and De Rooy, needed to dig themselves in and consolidate. Some inexperienced cricket ensued by both teams. As soon as one shot was played over the top, the captain of Bangladesh decided to spread the field, at one stage employing five fielders on the boundary, just when the should have been applying the pressure. The batsmen were afforded the freedom to work the ball into the gaps for one and twos. Instead they chose the more attacking option, entirely unconvincing in their strokeplay against the leg spinners and appearing to play into Bangladesh's hands.

Van Bunge (24)and De Rooy (26) shared in a suicidal fifth wicket stand of 47. Hussain eventually removed both, Van Bunge leg before wicket, De Rooy caught in the covers. The final total of 137 in the 47th over owed much to the last wicket partnership of 25 and as many as 42 extras. It was an abject display of batting. Bikash Ranjan Das returned excellent figures of 4 for 7 in his full quota.

The Bangladesh innings got off to a flying start, 14 runs coming in a wayward first over by Tewarie. Left hander Haqub proved their intentions. He dashed to 20 before trying to make room for himself and skying a simple catch to point, the score on 59 for 2, runs being scored at a healthy five an over on an increasingly unfriendly track. Disciplined bowling, particularly from Klaus Kout kept Holland in the game. Two quick wickets of Sarker and Salim in consecutive overs, buoyed the fielding side, the Bangladesh middle order sacrificing their wickets in the search for quick runs. Then the rain came with the score on 111 for 5 in 24.5 overs and with it went Bangladesh's chances of qualifying for the Super League. Eleven overs were lost according to Duckworth/Lewis and when play resumed, Bangladesh were set a revised total of 118. Four deliveries later the target was reached, Bangladesh finshing on 119 for 5.

Bangladesh came into this match with a net run rate of 2.44. With Duckworth/Lewis into effect here, Bangladesh could not improve that rate. New Zealand were beaten by India in Galle, a 28-run defeat not significant enough for Bangladesh to advance. Equal on three points each, New Zealand qualify with a superior run rate. The rain Gods reversed the fortunes in the end.

Bangladesh, along with Holland, two rapidly developing cricket nations, must now look to making a strong challenge in the Plate competition. Talking to CricInfo, an upbeat Bangladesh coach Dipu Roy Chowdury praised the side's performance and looked forward to the future. ``This was a win we very badly needed. We have to mould our side. We played badly against India in a way that did not describe the talents we have. Today I can say we do have the talent and I am confident we can go and win the Plate.''