India is finally officially out of the world cup. With a Bangladesh victory over Bermuda, the minnows of world cricket jumped ahead of India to qualify for the super eight. Group B is decided, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to rule the roost.
In a rain marred match, Bangladesh won the toss and put Bermuda to bat. As the toss had happened, the clouds burst. The umpires curtailed the match to 41-over a side. The Bermuda slide started in the very first over of their innings, when Stephen Outerbridge hooked wildly at Mashrafe Mortaza and top-edged to Mohammad Rafique at fine leg. Mashrafe Mortaza took his second wicket when Delyone Borden (2), miscued one and was easily taken at mid-off. Captain Irvine Romaine followed soon thereafter trapped lbw for just 11 to left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak. Rain interrupted again. With the match now reduced to 30-over a side, Bermuda was already in doldrums. David Hemp - top scorer against India - went for a duck, cutting Syed Rasel straight to Aftab Ahmed at gully. Bermuda was tottering at 45-4 in 15.1 overs. The Bermuda score somehow reached 94-9.
Bangladesh innings started and finished soon thereafter, but only with a victory under their belts. An unbeaten stand of 59 between Mohammad Ashraful and Saqibul Hasan saw Bangladesh reach their target of 96 with three of their 21 overs remaining. The victory triggered wild celebrations among their players. While, the Indian cricket team, who were hoping against hope that somehow some miracle happens and Bermuda wins over Bangladesh, so that they qualify for super eight, will be packing their bags for a flight back home. However, miracles do happen but not at this time. Bangladeshi victory closed all doors for the Indians. Bangladeshi team played better cricket and deserved to win. The Bangladeshi team entered the second round for the first time since they first participated in the World Cup in 1999. They had been expected to exit the tournament at the group stage, but their shock win over India last week meant they only had to avoid defeat against Bermuda to go through.
Via: BBC
