Scotland run out of luck (26 May 1999)
When the dust had settled on Scotland's bitterly disappointing defeat at the hands of Bangladesh on Monday, there was time to reflect on the turning points of a pulsating game, in which the pendulum had swung violently, which ultimately dashed the
26-May-1999
26 May 1999
Scotland run out of luck
Keith Graham
When the dust had settled on Scotland's bitterly disappointing defeat
at the hands of Bangladesh on Monday, there was time to reflect on
the turning points of a pulsating game, in which the pendulum had
swung violently, which ultimately dashed the Scots' dream of a first
World Cup victory.
The Scottish bowling was not quite as impressive as it had been
against Australia and Pakistan; too many wides and no-balls again
conceded, albeit that once again the umpires seemed utterly unwilling
to concede that the white ball used in this tournament, does at
times, move eccentrically, especially in the conditions prevailing at
this time of the year.
The first crucial moment arrived when, with Bangladesh on the ropes
at 45 for five, Minhazul Abedin, with just three to his name, offered
a regulation catch to slip which Iain Philip put down. That
uncharacteristic blunder in an otherwise sparkling fielding
performance allowed Minhazul to pull the innings round in a sixth
wicket stand of 69 with Naimur Rahman.
The Scots also got off to a terrible start, Hasibul Hussain's opening
burst being hostile enough to dismiss Bruce Patterson, palpably leg
before, and Mike Smith. George Salmond, as he had against the
Australians, took the attack to the bowlers at which juncture a
superb catch at gully by Faruque Ahmed got rid of the captain.
The Scots clawed their way back with Gavin Hamilton once more coming
to the rescue. He and Alec Davies had taken them within reach of
their target with a stand of 55 when the cruellest turning point came
through one of those idiosyncrasies of cricket, a drive accidentally
deflected into the stumps by the bowler with Hamilton stranded,
backing up.
Bangladesh do carry vastly more experience against top quality
opposition but their attack is hardly lethal so the Scots will have
to dig deep against West Indies at Leicester tomorrow.
Coach Jim Love may also shuffle his pack. Greig Williamson seems sure
to play, probably at the expense of Patterson and Mike Allingham may
also get a recall. The biggest test however, will be whether they can
retain their resilience, especially against the likes of Messrs
Walsh, Ambrose and Lara. It won't be easy.
Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)