Related Links : World Cup 2007 : Scorecard
West Indies fans were finally treated to a win by their side at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. The always threatening Tigers were not allowed to roar by a side that looked as if they had no interest in playing cricket in the last few days. And that is undoubtedly West Indies, the hosts who only had pride to salvage from today’s win. Their future Captain, Ramnaresh Sarwan came up with a lively innings to take his side out of an hibernating phase and then the pacers came good to complete a 99-run win. Later in the press conference, Brian Lara announced his retirement from all forms of the game with the match against England being his last international!
Things started superbly well for Habibul Bashar as he won the toss and put the homeside in on a quick and bouncy track. The opening bowlers – Mashrafe Mortaza and Syed Rasel once again bowled a nagging spell. Windies got off to an extremely sticky start which also included the wickets of openers Gayle and Devon Smith for nothing. One drop batsman Chanderpaul got stuck there and was given support by Marlon Samuels for more than 100 balls but the pair could add up only 47 runs. Samuels was consumed by Saqibul, the third left arm spinner and Windies were in a mess at 55 for 3 in 21.3. Chanderpaul’s Guyanese mate Sarwan repaired the damage with with an 81-run stand that built a platform for the risks to be taken towards the end.
Chanderpaul perished in the 38th over getting only 50 runs having played 85 balls. Brian Lara came in and dazzled as he played his second last knock for West Indies. He smashed a 27-ball 33 that contained a four and two sixes before he was gone in the slogs. Sarwan kept one end going to get 91 unbeaten runs from 90 balls with five fours and two sixes. Windies closed at an uncomfortable 230 for 5 which meant that their success in this game depended on the shoulders of their bowlers.
Bangladesh were off to a snail start with Tamim Iqbal not playing his natural game. He was the first breakthrough that the home side could get courtesy of a horrible mix up between the two openers – Tamim Iqbal and Javed Omar, who were both struck at the same end! That was just the fillip the fielding side needed and then it was no looking back. Corey Collymore chipped in with two outside edges, which were caught! And then Daren Powell made sure he wasn’t left behind taking a couple of wickets too and Bangladesh were down and out at 35 for 5. Their Skipper Habibul Bashar annoyingly failed once again making just 12 to be the sixth wicket down. A slight bit of resistance from the promising Mushfiqur Rahim (38 from 75 balls) saw the Tigers reduce the margin of defeat to 99. Powell took 3 for 38 in his 10 while Collymore got 2 for 11 in 7. Bravo and Gayle also got a couple of wickets as West Indies bowled Bangladesh in 43.5 overs. Ronnie Sarwan was the Man of the Match for his lovely innings. This was only the first victory that West Indies got in the Super Eights! With this match, Bangladesh’s extended World Cup Campaign is over and now they will have to prepare themselves to defend against their neighbours – India who will be seeking revenge in their next month tour.