Victory over India brings back smiles for Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim plays a shot during the first T20 international cricket match against India, at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. PHOTO | AFP
New Delhi. Bangladesh’s stunning first-ever Twenty20 win over India brought back smiles to a team left in turmoil by weeks of scandal, according to man of the match Mushfiqur Rahim.
The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman scored an unbeaten 60 on Sunday to anchor Bangladesh’s chase of 149 in pollution-hit New Delhi.
Skipper Mahmudullah Riyad hit the winning six in the final over to give Bangladesh their first T20 win over India in nine attempts and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The Bangladesh players danced in the Delhi smog, having eased what Mushfiqur called the “toughest” weeks of his career following a two-year ban on star player and captain Shakib Al Hasan for failing to disclose corrupt approaches.
The past month also saw a player revolt against the Bangladesh board over pay.
“In my 15 years, these last two or three weeks were the toughest that I have faced,” Mushfiqur said after the seven-wicket win.
“Before I left Bangladesh, I said the only thing that can put us on the right track is if we can win a couple of matches or play really well.
“So this brings smiles and calmness in our team and the whole nation. That’s what we have done and we will try continue this form.” Bangladesh were also without Tamim Iqbal, who took leave for family reasons, when Mahmudullah won the toss and elected to field first. (AFP)
