Bangladesh praised by cricketing fraternity

Fine show in Asia Cup draws appreciation despite loss in final.

KARACHI: A handful of runs deprived Bangladesh from clinching the Asia Cup title but the team got admiration from the cricketing fraternity after their outstanding show in the four-nation tournament.

Bangladesh, who lost the final to Pakistan by two runs, beat India and Sri Lanka in successive games with a disciplined show that impressed followers and opposition alike.

Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad believed the side displayed excellent fighting spirit and put on a brave show, which was spurred by the support of the home crowd.

“Bangladesh have improved a lot,” said Miandad. “They lost the final but they showed an outstanding effort and came very close to lifting the Asia Cup title for the first time.”

Younus Khan was also impressed with the performance of the hosts, who had earlier given a tough fight in the tournament opener against Pakistan before eventually going down by 21 runs. “They are playing as a unit,” said the former captain. “The good thing is that all their players are giving their 100 per cent. They’ve shown aggression which is always important in international cricket.”

‘Performance surprised me’

Meanwhile, former captain Rashid Latif was surprised at Bangladesh’s showing in the event. “Pakistan were the favourites but the way Bangladesh played in the final was never expected. The way they lost by just two runs in the epic battle proves they are improving greatly.”

Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Selector Iqbal Qasim also had warm words for Bangladesh. “They’ve proved that they are no more the minnows of cricket.

“I hope they will carry on the good work.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24^th, 2012.