Batters baffled by out-of-syllabus Bracewell challenge
It appears Bangladesh got a question paper out of the syllabus during their do-or-die ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand in Rawalpindi on Monday, as four out of their first six batters were dismissed by allrounder Michael Bracewell.
Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim (24), Towhid Hridoy (seven), Mushfiqur Rahim (two) and Mahmudullah (four) all threw away their wickets to the off-spinner, who used the wind effectively to drift his deliveries, operating as the Black Caps' fifth bowling option. Bracewell finished the innings with a career-best bowling performance of 4-26, restricting the Tigers to 236-9 after being sent in to bat first.
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Historically, the surface at Rawalpindi Stadium provides sporting wickets, where predominantly high-scoring matches are evident, keeping recent records in mind. Apart from that, the wicket also assists the pacers. Looking at both teams' playing eleven yesterday, where they fielded three genuine pacers each, it gave a clear indication that their batters had prepared with extra responsibility.
However, Bangladesh batters might have forgotten the most recent match record at this venue. The venue hosted its last international match between Pakistan and England in October last year, where Pakistani spinners took all 20 wickets in that Test to help their side clinch a 2-1 series win.
It was not only about the number of wickets Bracewell picked up. The poor shot selection of Bangladesh batters, coupled with great fielding display by New Zealand, cost the Tigers dearly in this crucial match.
Before coming into the match, Bangladesh knew very well that they must score 300-plus or have the mentality to chase down a massive total on this wicket, not only to win the contest but also to keep their semifinal hopes alive. However, the way the batters approached the game, where they gave 181 dot balls in 50 overs, their lack of planning was surely visible.
For example, Tanzid tried to play across the line on Bracewell's second ball, while Hridoy was dismissed at extra cover by a brilliant catch from Kane Williamson after getting the ball only sliced up. It was even more disappointing from the seniors, as Mushfiqur tried to play a big slog-sweep on only his fifth ball to become Bracewell's third prey.
Meanwhile, Mahmudullah, who returned to the side after missing the India game, ran down the track and hacked across the line, managing only an outside edge that floated towards the short third man, where it was taken easily.
It was only Najmul Hossain Shanto, who opened for Bangladesh once again in this format after 27 months and 34 ODIs, and Jaker Ali in the lower middle order who made some notable contributions in the innings. However, once it's all on the line for any side, such one or two contributions hardly matter in the outcome.
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