In what is called a dramatic finish, Bangladesh beat Sri Lank by 5 wickets to qualify for the final of the Asia Cup cricket tournament. Bangladesh now plays Pakistan, which has already qualified for the final, on 22 March 2012.
Sri Lanka batting first was restricted to a reduced target of 212 due to a mid-innings downpour and Bangladesh was given the target to chase in reduced 40 overs.
And playing superbly, the hosts achieved the target with 17 balls remaining of 40 overs and won over Sri Lanka with five wickets remaining. The Bangladesh prime minister who was witnessing the match was overjoyed just like the who crowd at Shere Bangla stadium. Bangladesh played both the 2011 finalists and what many say came very close beating the former ODI champion Pakistan.
For Bangladesh, it is a great day as they were not hot favourites for the final and everyone expected India an easy sail in after Sri Lanka beat the hosts. But Bangladesh played smarter than the Lankans and qualified for the final. The win today also whitewashes Indian dream to defend the title, they had been longing so dearly all along since the tournament started. And no one considered Bangladesh as a possible finalist.
But now it is Bangladesh playing Pakistan in the final - and Pakistan will have to be very careful playing the hosts as they in their first match with Pakistan almost made them lose it - it was Umer Gul's last minute stand and adding valuable 39 runs that gave Pakistan victory over the hosts.
What comes now in the final - everyone eaglerly awaits the final on 22 March.
Sri Lanka batting first was restricted to a reduced target of 212 due to a mid-innings downpour and Bangladesh was given the target to chase in reduced 40 overs.
And playing superbly, the hosts achieved the target with 17 balls remaining of 40 overs and won over Sri Lanka with five wickets remaining. The Bangladesh prime minister who was witnessing the match was overjoyed just like the who crowd at Shere Bangla stadium. Bangladesh played both the 2011 finalists and what many say came very close beating the former ODI champion Pakistan.
For Bangladesh, it is a great day as they were not hot favourites for the final and everyone expected India an easy sail in after Sri Lanka beat the hosts. But Bangladesh played smarter than the Lankans and qualified for the final. The win today also whitewashes Indian dream to defend the title, they had been longing so dearly all along since the tournament started. And no one considered Bangladesh as a possible finalist.
But now it is Bangladesh playing Pakistan in the final - and Pakistan will have to be very careful playing the hosts as they in their first match with Pakistan almost made them lose it - it was Umer Gul's last minute stand and adding valuable 39 runs that gave Pakistan victory over the hosts.
What comes now in the final - everyone eaglerly awaits the final on 22 March.
0 comments:
Post a Comment