Today marked the start of the second ICC World Twenty20 with a feast of runs on display in Nottingham. Shane Watson (52) and Brad Haddin (47) dismantled a frustrated Bangladesh bowling attack, who appeared well and truly beaten.
However it was a spirited display by the Bangladeshi top order, who will feel confident ahead of Saturday’s crunch games versus India. Tamim Iqbal looked explosive, Shakib al Hasan compiled a fine half century, and Mahmudullah produced a fine all-round performance (4-37 & 26 from 24 balls).
In the days other match, an enthusiastic Pakistani crowd watched on expectantly after their team’s recent ODI series in the UAE. Despite the positivity of the crowd, it was the Proteas who were to prevail today.
Graeme Smith played a captains innings (70 from 52 balls), with Pakistan set a target of 187 from their 20 overs. Unfortunately for the fans, Pakistan were the only one of today’s teams not to deliver a ‘run feast’. Shoaib Malik’s men never really got going, with most of South Africa’s bowlers either taking key wickets or restricting the run rate.
If today is anything to go by, we can expect plenty of runs and possible surprises in the next 3 weeks.