India were given a big scare by Bangladesh in the 2022 T20 World Cup on Wednesday (November 2) at the Adelaide Oval as opening batter Litton Das threatened to run away with the match with an incredible knock of 60 in just 27 balls.
As rain stopped play, India were staring at defeat as Bangladesh were 17 runs ahead of the DLS system. To the reprieve of every Indian cricket fan, the rain did stop and ultimately the game was reduced to a 16-over affair. The Rohit Sharma-led side held their nerve to complete a 5-run victory.
Ex-Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi responded to a shocking statement claiming that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is doing all they can to make sure India reach the semi-finals as the match was resumed on a wet outfield. The comment surprised cricket fans as similar efforts were made in both the South Africa-Zimbabwe and Pakistan-South Africa clash where the match continues amid drizzle on the ground.
You saw the ground how wet it was. But ICC is inclined towards India. They want to ensure India reaches the semi-finals at any cost. The umpires were also the same who officiated India vs Pakistan & will get the best umpire awards,” a journalist said on SAMAA TV.
Given the amount of rain that happened, the game resumed immediately after the break. It is very evident that many things were involved, the ICC, India playing (the game), the pressure that comes with it, there are many factors involved. But Litton’s batting was amazing. He played positive cricket. After six overs, we felt that if Bangladesh didn’t lose wickets for another 2-3 overs, they would have won the match. Overall, the fight shown by Bangladesh was brilliant,” Afridi replied.
Bangladesh captain Shakib al Hasan admitted in the press conference that a wet outfield favours the batting team rather than the bowling team. The Indian bowling unit put in a remarkable effort amid the tough conditions to complete the win. Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya took two wickets each while Mohammed Shami chipped in with one scalp.
India will not only qualify but finish as group winners if they manage to beat Zimbabwe on Sunday (November 6) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. However, there is no roam for error as a defeat could send them back home.
