Apropos, Bangladesh thought Netherlands' upset win over the hosts England will be infectious, and considering their warm up matches' performance they have very great chance to upset Indian team.
Defending champions India started their campaign on a winning note against Bangladesh with a comprehensive 25-run victory. Initially, batting Indian openers Gautham Gambhir and Rohit Sharma made a good solid start displaying exquisite stroke play and added 59 runs among them before Rohit Sharma got out. Surprisingly, skipper Dhoni came instead of Raina; however, Dhoni and Gambhir could not capitalize on the spinners in middle part of the innings and instead took 1s and 2s. Thankfully, sluggish Dhoni departed (blessing in disguise) trying an ambitious shot. Then, came in Yuvi, the Punjab southpaw who blasted a quick 41 of just 18 balls and change the course of the game and propelled the total to 180.
Bangladesh started their innings with great intensity and they were going great guns, however, bowling change from Dhoni by introducing Yusuf Pathan did the trick and Bangladesh lost their first wicket. Unperturbed by loss of wicket Bangladesh carried further with great spirit. However, due to lack of experience and a superb spell by left-arm spinner Ojha claiming 4 wickets for 21 runs Bangladesh lost their way and eventually could manage only 155 for 8, thereby lost by 25 runs.
Hopefully, India carries the same intensity and unity for future games to come.
© 2009 Zafarulla Khan
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