Alright folks! So it was day one of the ICC World T20 2014 and it was all excitement and buzz. Something that’s much expected from all ICC Tournaments. It started with Bangladesh taking on the effervescent Afghanistan, and later in the evening Nepal up against Hong Kong. One could argue that the actual competition is yet to begin and this phase of the tournament is essentially minnows fighting it out against each other, but because these teams are playing to qualify for the bigger phase, in both the matches the teams were all charged up and raring to go.
First match of the day saw an inspired Afghanistan, coming from some good Asia Cup matches, against the home side Bangladesh. The atmosphere in the ground was electric and what’s fascinating to see in this country is the love for their home team. After an ordinary Asia Cup, the kind of response Bangladesh team saw was amazing, the most resilient crowds that we’ll ever come across. The painted lions were all roaring.
Bangladesh didn’t disappoint their fans this time and riding on their spin power, easily triumphed the Afghans who got the t20 theory rub on them a bit too much. They played too many big shots too early. ‘Everything has to go out of the park boys’ looked like the theme of their team. I am sure they’ll realise it as they play more games at this level that it ‘s not all bang bang and 20 overs are still to be played.
The second match which promised to be a better contest, turned out to be rather one sided. Again the side with good spin options came out victorious. Nepal’s spinners with the kind of bite their deliveries offered were too sharp to handle for the Hong Kong batsmen. Nepal looks a very promising side, with some really handy players.
Very early in this tournament, with the kind of turn and bounce we saw from the pitch, it looks like spinners are going to play a huge role in shaping big games. It may not be the batsman’s game all the way.
Watch out for the Ajmals, Naraines, Ashwins and Tahirs of the world!