Bangladesh opens T20 Extravaganza in style

Bangladesh cricket team opened their campaign in the Asia versus the Caribbean T20 Extravaganza with an easy seven-wicket win over Barbados in a rain affected match at the Queen’s Park Oval last night. In a match reduced to eight overs a side, the Bangladesh romped to victory at 71 for three off  6.3 overs, in reply to Barbados total of 65 for four in their eight overs. The target of 66 in eight overs was always insufficient against an international side and the Tigers signalled their intentions of dominating this tournament. With the outfield soggy, they preferred to go over the top. World ranked all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan started the beating with a four-ball 13 which included a six and a four, while skipper Mushfiqur Rahim belted 18 off 13 balls with three fours.

 

 

Earlier, Barbados openers Kirk Edwards and Omar Phillips struggled to get the ball away and after Edwards fell for five, the scoring rate improved. Kyle Mayers  swung the first ball he faced from Shakib Al Hasan over the mid-wicket fence for six. This changed the momentum for Barbados and runs came regularly. Phillips fell for 15 off 21 balls but Mayers kept the runs flowing. 

He finally fell for 18 off just six balls with two sixes and Ashley Nurse got 15 not out off six balls with three fours to take Barbados to a fighting total. Bangladesh will play Afghanistan today at 3.15 pm in their second game.