The Bangladesh Tigers have knocked the England Lions out of the 2015 Cricket World Cup with an incredible 15 run victory at the Adelaide Oval on Monday night.
One of the lowest points in English history… and they can’t believe it,” blurted out English commentators on Fox Sports in complete disbelief.
There were scenes of utter jubilation in Adelaide as the underdogs stood up to claim a historic victory against their much fancied opponents. A poor campaign for England mean that they are out of the World Cup with Bangladesh qualifying for the next stage.
“For us this is really special,” commented man of the match Mahmudullah, who hit an inspired century to set up the game for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh set 7/275 in their 50 overs which included Bangladesh’s first World Cup ton. Mahmudullah took the honours with a 131 ball century in the middle order. He was supported by Mushfiqur Rahim who hit a fine 89(77) that helped Bangladesh reach beyond 250.
England captain Eoin Morgan failed with the bat again, removed for a third-ball duck after chasing a short ball and holing out to deep fine-leg. Ian Bell chimed in with a handy 63 and Jimmy Butler 65, but England were caught chasing runs and protecting their wickets against some excellent line bowling from the Bangladesh quicks.
A controversial run out decision that sent Chris Jordan packing really opened the match up for the taking. Originally Jordan looked comfortably safe, but upon close review, his bat bounced in the air as he dived into the crease. This was the 8th wicket to fall for England, one that placed a ton of pressure on the remaining two batsmen.
Not even a dropped catch would deny Bangladesh. Stuart Broad began to hit out in an attempt to reel in an escaping target and was dropped at deep long on. In what looked like a saving grace for the Poms, Bangladesh fieldsmen fell to the ground in desperation.
Ahmed and Mortazza claimed two wickets, while Rubel Hossain nabbed four including the final two to clinch the match for his country. Hossain clean bowled Broad and Jimmy Anderson as cries of joy rung out around the Adelaide Oval.
“Pretty poor to be knocked out of a World Cup this early,” commented England captain Eoin Morgan.
“I’m gutted at the moment.”
“To be honest I have no idea what happens from here,” Morgan said to Fox Sports when asked about where he thinks things will go for English cricket.
“We knew we have to bowl well,” commented captain Mashrafe Mortaza.
“This is for all the freedom fighters supporting Bangladesh.”
Bangladesh have qualified for the quarter-finals third overall in Pool A ahead of Sri Lanka. This is Bangladesh’s first win over England in their history. A match that will be remembered for a long time and one that could launch cricket in this part of the world.
Photograph: James Elsby/AP
