Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
I go about my Thursday so happy for Bangladesh, and incredibly annoyed at Pakistan. My predictions before the series have now officially gone to dirt, but seriously, how Pakistan were just one game off an appearance in the Asia Cup Final is beyond everyone.
While India and Bangladesh fans rejoice, there needs to be somewhat of a review by Pakistan into this abomination of a tournament. This Pakistan side, as everyone knows, has plenty of talent, but their performances against higher ranked sides often elicit the confidence of teenagers on their first date.
Without smartphones.
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| Yes! The big game is indeed on the 28th! |
Now, September 28 will be a big day for a different reason. According to reports, the team will be heading to Sarfraz Ahmed’s house to watch the Final, with plenty of snacks to nibble on. They will then come back to the UAE for the Australia Tests.
For the Tigers, I’m thrilled. As an ardent follower of Bangladesh Cricket (as my lack of sleep suggests), this is a magnificent moment for them. A win in a high stakes game without linchpins Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan, after being reduced to 12/3, is a fine result. Mushfiqur Rahim continues to prove his worth as a quality batsman, and Mustafizur Rahman has the potential to finish his career as the finest ever Bangladesh seamer. Whether they can challenge India remains to be seen, but this is a moment to savour.
It’s time for the infamous CricBlog microscope to be placed on each player. I’ll try to be as nice as I can for Pakistan, given they have made me look like a fool!
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Bangladesh
Mohammad Mithun: Plenty of promise. Both his significant scores in this series have been when Bangladesh have been under huge pressure. 8.5
Imrul Kayes: Was keen to swing at everything, Shahid Afridi style. Could not follow up his Afghanistan effort, but he will be in the side for the Final, surely. 2
Mahmudullah: Threatened to get going but couldn’t. Team didn’t rely on him this time to get them out of a hole, but who knows if he’s needed to in the Final with the top order looking as confident as those teenagers. But, what a magnificent spell of bowling when Bangladesh needed him. 1/38 is some return. 7.5
Mehidy Hasan Miraz: I consider Mehidy as the next quality all-rounder for Bangladesh. His batting needs improving (which I believe he will), but he is Mr. Consistent with the ball. Economy of 2.80 and two wickets as the main, specialist spinner. A fine outing. 8
Mashrafe Mortaza: WHAT A CATCH from Mr. Inspirational to see the back of Shoaib Malik. A wonderful captain and leader, Mashrafe led his troops to victory again. I am going to be swimming in my own tears when this man retires. 7
Rubel Hossain: A controversial inclusion in the Bangladesh side, but did his job. A wicket at below five an over in his eight overs and an awesome catch to see the back of Donald Bradman Fakhar Zaman. 7
Mustafizur Rahman: BREAKING: Mustafizur smacked Liton Das in the head after the game for his dropped catches. In all serious, the “Fizz” is a massive factor in whether Bangladesh can lift the Asia Cup. Can he find the movement he found in Abu Dhabi against Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan? I am looking forward to that battle. This kid is winning games for Bangladesh. What a performance. 9
PS, looking to improve your cricketing skills? More wickets? More runs? More fun? Check out some great tips from Cricket Secrets! You can visit here.
Pakistan
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So, September 28, aye?
Not for Pakistan. The favourites are gone, and they didn’t deserve to be even with a chance at reaching the Final.
For Bangladesh, can they be third time lucky in Asia Cup Finals? We shall wait and see.
Thanks for reading!
