World Cup Report Match 27: Bangladesh v Scotland

Scorecard

Bangladesh are within another washout of reaching the quarter finals of this World Cup, while Scotland continue to chase a maiden World Cup victory after once again doing most things right without being able to close the deal. This whole World Cup, and especially the matches staged in New Zealand, seem to be an effort to get your opposition first, let them score as many as they can, and then run it down with overs to spare. In the majority of cases this appears to be a 300+ total (except from the New Zealand v Australia match, where two superior bowling line ups faced each other), which up until this tournament should have been an impregnable score. Not so anymore. 

No doubt Bangladesh thought they could restrict Scotland to a total of around 200, preferably less, and be home in time for an afternoon swim. Scotland's batsmen were not aware of this, and took the advantage of batting first on the benign strip to rack up their highest score in a World Cup match. Opener Kyle Coetzer played wonderfully well, with his innings of 156 off 134 deliveries the rock around which the innings was built. He weathered the initial onslaught, took his time, but kept the score rolling over. The middle order all batted well in support, accelerating when required, and the final total of 8/318 was more than Scotland would have expected at the 35 over mark. It also still appeared a little short, unless the Scotland bowling attack could really find its teeth.

Once again though, this failed to occur. As with most of the bowling attacks in this tournament, there is a real lack of penetrability in the bowling, especially considering that two new balls are used in each innings. For the most part, an early breakthrough occurs (in this case Sarkar was the victim for 2) and then the innings builds on a huge second or third wicket partnership until the 35 over mark, at which time a batting explosion occurs. Despite the best efforts from all of the Scotland bowlers, there didn't appear at any stage during the run chase the possibility of Bangladesh losing this match. Their bowling is serviceable, but on the roads that are being dished up for this tournament, they don't have enough in their favour to get wickets unless the batsmen do something untoward. Cruising to 4/322 of 48 overs, it was almost like a training run. Scotland's coaching staff will know they have to find bowlers with a bit more pace, and who turn the ball a bit more, than the ones they have. Their bowling is not a lost cause, but for the flat-track bullies on these pitches, they don't stand a chance.

Bangladesh now play England in Adelaide on Monday, with the winner to go through to play a quarter final against India, and the loser to miss out. If, heaven forbid, the match was to be washed out, Bangladesh would go through as England would be three points behind them with only one match to play. Scotland now play Sri Lanka and Australia, both in Hobart to complete their tournament, where they will be hoping to be competitive and to learn from their vastly more experienced opponents.