A score of 628 runs -and that too by the opponent batting second -is not just a mammoth total but also intimidating enough for the side batting in its own second innings. The lead of 296 runs nearly equals the first innings' total 332. In a situation like this, the psychological pressure is likely to prove too much for the opening batsmen. This is only more so, when the pair of a team with little credential for Test temperament walks to the 22 yards to save the match. They face the bowlers with the thought at the back of their heads that if they fail to produce a good stand, the team stands hardly any chance of saving the match.
When premonition of a sudden batting collapse crossed the fans' minds, what a heroic reply the opening duo came up with! Both of them saw to the fourth day's hostile pace and spinning guiles with ease and consummate skill to score centuries. On the fifth day they did enough to rewrite cricketing history by taking their partnership total to 312. In the process, the duo has broken the 55-year old record set by Colin Cowdrey and Geoff Puller for the highest opening stand in the second innings of a Test. What the opening pair of Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes has managed to do can make any cricketing nation proud.
This amazing feat not only leaves the imprint of individual skills of two batsmen but also makes a bold statement of a team that has come of age in terms of cricketing prowess. Even though, Bangladesh eliminated England from the recently held World Cup and Banglawashed Pakistan in the three ODI (one-day international) series and also triumphed in the only T20 match against them, both cricket pundits and laymen were aware of the difference between the two teams. When the hosts scored 332 runs and Pakistan in reply almost took the total to its double, the apprehension of not saving the match loomed large.
Those at the top in any trade bring their best in the face of a crisis. Not only did Tamim and Kayes gave a superlative performance but also restored both team-wise balance and confidence in their fellow batsmen. The message they sent to the fellow cricketers in the dressing room was so reassuring that the latter could feel the confidence exuding. Impregnated with such confidence, a team can achieve the unachievable and from here is likely to go from strength to strength. That is the beauty of sports and games. Once overcome the psychological barrier, performing well or for that matter even winning becomes a habit.
Of course, there is a need to pursue the goal single-mindedly. What Tamim and company have done is nothing less than setting a new benchmark for themselves. The country expects them to build on this, not to be satisfied or complacent with their achievements. That they have talent is more than evident. Now they must keep whetting their hunger for more cricketing glory. That indeed is what takes sportsmen from one success to another. Once they will discover to their surprise that no accolade is enough to describe their achievements. The flame in their bosom will rekindle more such flames in the hearts of their fellow countrymen for excellence in many other areas.
Setting cricketing milestones
Neil Ray | Published: May 04, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2024 06:01:00
Share if you like