KATHMANDU, Oct 5: Bangladesh got off to a predictably sound start in the second Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Trophy with a 141-run win over Malaysia at the Engineering Campus ground in Kathmandu today.
With the rain taking time out at Kathmandu and the clouds are gone, Bangladesh, led by its new captain Aminul Islam, got a little resistance from Malaysia to stamp their first win in the tournament after a frustrating drawn encounter against Papua New Guinea on the inaugural day where all the matches were washed out due to rain.
Bangladesh, aided by a disciplined 79 from opener Javed Omar and a little came knock from vice-captain Khaled Mahmud, posted a commendable total of 239 for nine in their share of 50 overs. In reply, Malaysia were bundled out for 98. Thanks to a brilliant all-round performance from Aminul. The diminutive Bangladesh captain scored 36, effected a scintillating run out with a direct hit from cover-point, and took four wickets with his off-spin. But the most eye soothing aspect the Aminul's boys was fielding and catching. Jajjad, though failed with the willow, took a magnificent diving catch at mid-on.
Bangladesh never appeared in danger once Aminul, who was taken the field as full fledged captain for the first time, won a good toss in the morning and opted to bat first. The defending champions were off to the rollicking start with Shahriar Hossain and Javed Omar producing 86 runs in 20 overs. The two were separated when Shahriar was caught at short mid-wicket after scoring a 54-ball 30 studded with five fours.
Javed collaborated his return in the national team with a brilliant 79. The dapper right hander, who was later declared man-of-the-match, clubbed 11 fours in his 127-ball flawless vigil at the crease.
``This is a memorable day for me because I have never won the laurel while playing for the national team, said a beaming Javed adding that he wants to dedicate the small piece of glory to his brother Asif Omar Belim.
Although Javed celebrated his recall in style, things were not at all inspiring for one-down Sajjad Ahmed, who came in place of an ailing Faruque Ahmed. Jajjad scored only five before booming the second victim of Malaysian captain Ramesh Menon. After the fall of two quick wickets, skipper Aminul Islam and Javed took the score to 177. But once Aminul departed for 36, Bangladesh suffered a stunning slid, losing three wickets at the score of 177. Javed quickly followed Aminul offering a tame catch at mid-wicket of the bowling of seamer Siswanto who then went on to dismiss Rafique, promoted up in the bating order, for a first ball duck.
The departure of Rafique however paved the way for the liveliest part of Bangladesh innings with vice-captain Khaled Mahmud scoring a breezy 36 off only 20 balls. The agile Mahmud cloued two huge sixes and a three four in enterprising knock. Mahmud was particularly harsh against Siswanto, who conceded 18 runs in 48th over with Mahmud clobbering 14.
Siswanto, the most successful Malaysian bowler with three for 54 runs, however had the last laugh. The tall right-arm seamer had Mahmud a long off. But by that time Bangladesh amass a commanding total on a tricky wicket producing uneven bounce. Javed played extremely well and he deserves the award. The fielding was up to the mark. The batting is all right. Specially, I'm impressed with my openers. The only thing I'm disappointed with my fact bowling, said Aminul after the match.
``I'm expecting a total more than 250. But after the fall of three quick wickets we could not reach the mark. Still more 200 is a defendable total in this type of wicket,'' said Aminul. When Aminul was talking to the press, Gordon appeared reluctant to face the media.
The only thing Gordon said to his players ``The day is not still over. Let's have some practice.''
Faruque had stomach upset. He was dropped from the playing eleven in the morning. He had also vomited in the morning. But team doctor said he will be fit before the next match against Maldives on 7.