It is rare that the losing finalists get all the attention after a tournament but that is no less than what Bangladesh deserves. The attitude that pervaded the team is best summed up by the joyous hitting of the man-of-the-tournament, Shakibal Hasan. Equally exhilarating was the batting of opener Tamim Iqbal, who had actually been dropped before the Asia Cup for reasons that seemed more political than cricketing. And for those worried about the health of the game, the passion exhibited by Bangladeshi fans showed that cricket has a future beyond the three or four countries which dominate the game. Losing the final must have been difficult but winning the hearts of the cricketing world should come as some consolation.
As for Pakistan, it might seem overly pessimistic to criticise a team that just won a major ODI competition, but its performance throughout the tournament was less than encouraging. The middle order was prone to collapse with Umar Akmal being the most egregious example of wasted talent, while the fast bowlers were expensive and frequently ineffectual. The fielding was — as it always is with Pakistan — below par, while captain Misbahul Haq made some unorthodox and baffling choices on the field. That we were unable to exact a measure of revenge for the Mohali loss to India was also disheartening, especially since we didn’t get a rematch against the Indian team in the final. Ultimately, though, in yet another sign that Pakistan has perhaps substituted flair with grit, it is a good sign that this Pakistani team was able to win the Asia Cup without firing on all cylinders.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 24th, 2012.
COMMENTS (7)
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Bangladeshis should remain in their cage, after all it was Pakistan that brought them in to the international cricket,how can Bangladesh think of standing to Pakistan in cricket ,,,,,,,Pakistanis intentionally want to give them some chance to celebrate ,, and diffuse some of their frustrations and deep depressions in cricket ,,,,,,
Enough with sympathy for Bangladesh, guess what, the better team won~ Please chew on it
Very well and deeply judged by you bro good one.
While I am pleased that Pakistan won, though by two runs, in my heart I feel Bangladesh really won the day. As you rightly say they nearly pulled they soundly defeated India and Sri Lanka, and came close to a whisker in winning the final. Bangladesh deserved it and I wish the team upon winning had stated during the ceremony that the trophy and the victory belonged to people of both Pakistan and Bangladesh. That would have been the winning stroke.
i think we all should stop the CRITICIZING ATTITUDE of ours on the National team!!!!! why do we have to always criticize and ridicule our players even when they win??? So the author of this article, should stop using a criticizing tone..
Just saw on cricinfo: Pakistan does not has any international cricket till September.
WOW !!! Is any one doing any thing about this cricket loving nation.
For your kind information Victory is always sweet, it should have been a sweet defeat.