Scotland has managed to beat Bangladesh in the first match of round 1 in the T20 World Cup. After this defeat, Bangladesh had to win their next two games (which they did) to qualify for the next round. On the other hand, Scotland will be delighted to get the two points in the most difficult match of this round on paper. Here are the talking points of the match:
1. The Intent Of Scotland Should Get Appreciation:
Scotland has shown the right mentality from the very first over of the match. They have started to show their intent from the last two overs of the powerplay. Munsey has played a good knock of 29 runs in 23 balls at the beginning. However, the batters have not been able to launch their attack when two spinners of Bangladesh have come into the party. Mahedi Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan have taken two wickets each in the middle overs to keep Scotland out of the contest.
However, Scotland has not stopped showing their intent. A brilliant partnership of Greaves and Watt has given them a glimpse of hope. They have managed to get a decent total of 140 after being 53 for 6 at a certain point in time. The momentum has clearly shifted towards Scotland’s side after the end of the first innings.
2. A Night To Remember For Chris Greaves:
Chris Greaves has certainly been the hero of Scotland in this victory against Bangladesh. He has scored 45 runs in 28 balls after coming in the most difficult time period of the game for Scotland. His partnership alongside Mark Watt has completely changed the equation of the game.
In the second innings, he has picked up two important wickets of Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim have been trying to build a solid partnership. However, Chris Greaves has sent both of them to the pavilion at a crucial juncture of the game.
3. Brilliant Bowling Display Of Scotland:
Scotland’s bowling unit has been disciplined throughout the whole match. In the powerplay, Bradley Wheal and Josh Davey have bowled in perfect length in the powerplay. Soumya Sarkar and Liton Das have not been able to give Bangladesh a good start. Chris Greaves has played a crucial role to break the partnership of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim. Mark Watt has been brilliant in his four overs. He has conceded only 19 runs and taken one wicket in his spell. Overall, it has been a solid bowling display to start the campaign for Scotland.
4. What Next For Bangladesh?
Bangladesh’s team management will have to think about many things ahead of their next game against Papua New Guinea (which they won). Bangladesh has recently won the T20 series against Australia and New Zealand on their home soil. So, their fans will certainly expect to see their side in super 12.
However, the task will not be easy for them from here on. Oman is a strong contender to qualify from this group and they are also playing on their home soil. So, Bangladesh will now be hoping to register a good victory against Papua New Guinea in the next match to get the morale boost ahead of their match against Oman.
(Scotland’s kit designer, 12-year-old Rebecca Downie from Haddington was following the first game on TV. She was proudly sporting the shirt she designed herself. Thank you again Rebecca! #FollowScotland ???????????????????????????? #PurpleLids ????)
Both Scotland and Bangladesh are through to the next round. Let’s see if they can make any sort of impact or not!!
