Bonanza in Bangladesh (12 November 1998)
Inscrutable are the ways of God and mysterious his plans
12-Nov-1998
12 November 1998
Bonanza in Bangladesh
by Brother Baptist Croos FSC
Inscrutable are the ways of God and mysterious his plans. The
weather-gods had been strangely but magnanimously merciful on the
long-suffering Bangladeshis. Except for the rain that delayed the
start of the 1st Semi - final between Sri Lanka and South Africa,
thunder-storms, cyclones, floods and tidal waves that used to play
havoc in Bangladesh, were mysteriously held back during the Wills
International Cup tournament, to permit the enthusiastic
sports-lovers to enjoy a fantastic exhibition of power-play. Cricket
was at its best in Bangladesh.
The Wills tournament had practically all the ingredients of a World -
Cup atmosphere. Drums, crackers, flares, music, dance, posters,
placards, fantastic fours, sensational sixes, rash run-outs, daring
decisions, brilliant batting, fine fielding, bewitching bowling and
the exuberant running commentaries, had left a lasting impression on
all of us. Hearty congratulations to the very sportive Bangladeshis,
who came in thousands for each match and cheered every side that
stepped on to the field. There was a magnificent spirit and the crowd
behaviour was excellent.
The Venue
There is an Arab proverb that says, "If the traveller stops each time
a dog barks, his journey will never end." Disregarding all the barks
of cynics complaints, strikes and negative criticisms, the organisers
had stuck to their deal and embarked on an adventurous mission. They
had courageously staged that tantalizing Mini World - Cup (as it was
popularly known) at the fascinating and ultra-modern Bangabandhu
stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The garbage, squalor, slums, gutters
around the stadium vanished over-night, at least temporarily, and we
were shown a modern Dhaka with majestic mosques, popular promenades,
breath-taking beaches, sizzling shopping centres, picturesque views
of the sprawling and spectacular city, under bright sun-shine and
moon-lit nights.
The spills and thrills
The world champions were humbled; world-class batsman and
record-breakers had their hearts broken; top-spinners were
mercilessly mauled; leg spinners severely smashed all over the field;
off-spinners happily hammered over the fence. Towering sixes and
delightful fours were cheered with delight. The happy - go - lucky
spectators witnessed the sublime and the ridiculous, the agony and
ecstasy of the game. The cricket fans in the stadium celebrated the
exhilarating performances with fire-works and bonfires. Most of the
cricketers were really fired with enthusiasm. The spectators however
thought that some of their favourite stars who let them down badly ,
ought to be fired out of the team, also with enthusiasm.
The Sri Lankan fiasco
Sri Lankans, lacked fitness and finesse; class and commitment.
Irresponsible and undisciplined batting brought the world-champions
down on their knees. Super-star Jayasuriya who was batting so well in
the early overs, defiantly moved away, exposing his wicket to an
accurate yorker and was clean bowled. Then the rot set in and their
innings was in total disarray. Top order batsmen capitulated
sheepishly. Kaluwitharana and Aravinda unnecessarily got themselves
out.
Putting their heads down under trying circumstances and playing it
cooly and judiciously would have helped the Sri Lankans to reach
lofty heights and annex another prestigious trophy. Their lack-lustre
performance was simply disappointing to the spectators who had
cheered them heartily during their previous encounters. An arrogant
attitude seldom works. One needs a fair amount of humility to achieve
anything worthwhile.
Congratulations and full marks to the South Africans for their
convincing victories over the World Champs and the West Indians at
the final. They were well organised and completely committed. Their
approach to the game was positive and productive. Given the same
weather conditions, they shrewdly exploited the dampening morale of
their less-convincing and less-committed opponents and came out
gloriously triumphant.
Enlivening spirit
What a genial way to bring a nation together! The ambience was
invigorating and the spirit enlivening! All the miseries disappeared
for a week or so and the spectators poured into the stadium day after
day. Full-throatedly they cheered. Their thundering applause and
sheer shrills of joy reverberated around Dhaka.
The disappointment of the star - batsmen, the frustration of the
bowlers, the humiliation at times of the fielders, missed - catches,
wides, no balls, over throws, cliff-hangers and nail-biting finishes
added colour to the glorious uncertainties of cricket.
Long live cricket!
Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)