Photo : Collected
Bangladesh continued their shambolic performance in the ongoing ICC World Cup as they conceded a crushing 87-run defeat against the tournament’s surprise package Netherlands at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday.
The Tigers had golden chances to keep their last-four hopes alive in the showpiece event but the embarrassing defeat against Netherlands virtually knocked them out of contention.
They have just two points from six matches and will play against Australia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan in their remaining three games.
Bangladesh started the tournament with a convincing six-wicket win over Afghanistan but have since lost five matches on the trot.
Batting first Netherlands were dismissed for 229 in 50 overs, handing Bangladesh a golden opportunity to seal their second win of the tournament. But
Bangladesh batters frustrated everyone as they were bundled out for 142 to suffer a thumping defeat against Netherlands.
The Tigers suffered early blow during their 230-run chase, with Litton Das the first to depart, caught behind off Aryan Dutt for a struggling three from 12 balls.
And fellow opener Tanzid Hazan joined him back in the dugout just an over later, with Edwards (15) again taking the catch behind the stumps, this time off Van Beek.
Tigers’ collapse continued with Paul van Meekeren struck to remove Najmul Hossain Shanto for 9, leaving the Tigers 45/3 and in need of a significant rebuild.
But Bangladesh failed to recover the early damage and kept losing at regular intervals. Bangladesh were in deep trouble when they lost Shakib Al Hasan (5) Mehidy Hasan Miraz (35) and Mushfiqur Rahim (1) in the within 18 overs. And when Bangladesh were slumped to 70/6 at one stage needing something special to avoid defeat.
And it seemed all over when Mahmudullah (20) and Mahedi Hasan (17) also joined the procession.
Netherlands pacer Paul van Meekeren caused the major damage in Bangladesh innings claiming four wickets for 23 runs, while Bas de Leede also kept up pressure by taking two wickets.
Earlier, Bangladesh´s bowlers kept Netherlands on a tight leash as the Dutch were dismissed for 229 in 50 overs despite skipper Scott Edwards’ commanding 68-run knock.
Opted to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh bowlers kept Netherlands under pressure by taking wickets at regular interval.
Bangladesh took control of the match through the first half of the first innings, with Taskin Ahmed particularly impressive. The Dutch made a shaky start as they lost their openers inside just thee overs.
Pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed drew the first blood in Netherlands innings by removing Vikramjit Singh caught by Shakib at mid-off for three while Taskin’s pace partner Shoriful had Max O'Dowd for a duck with a fine delivery. Tanzid Hasan took a sharp catch at first slip.
Experienced Wesley Barresi then took charge with an aggressive 41-ball 41 as he put on 59 runs with Colin Ackermann (15). Barresi, in particular, showed good aggression, hitting seven fours in the first Powerplay.
Bangladesh bowers then cameback to the game strongly by taking two wickets in space of 10 balls with Mustafiz removed aggressive Barresi with his trademark cutter while Shakib fooled Colin Ackermann with a quicker.
Ackermann’s anchoring innings came to an end when he top-edged a sweep off Shakib Al Hasan for a 33-ball 15, leaving two new batters at the crease and attempting to rebuild.
Bangladesh’s momentum continued when Bas de Leede walked having feathered an edge through to the keeper off Taskin for 17, not giving the umpire time to make a decision before heading back to the pavilion.
With his team in trouble, skipper Edwards stood up with a captain's knock, hitting a fine half-century to help his team towards a total that kept them in the game.
Bangladesh put down three catches and after getting reprieve Netherlands batters capitalized their new lifes nicely, particularly tailenders.
Edwards was finally dismissed for an excellent 68 from 89 balls. Netherlands respectable total was also boosted by Sybrand Engelbrecht (35) and Logan van Beek’s (23*) late flurry.
Shakib Al Hasan finished with 1/37 from his ten tight overs, while four other bowlers all took two wickets – Taskin Ahmed (2/43), Shoriful Islam (2/51) Mustafizur Rahman (2/36) and Mahedi Hasan (2/40).
Messenger/Adnan/Disha
