The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Ganguly's pat for Bangladesh

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 24, 2004

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Sport - Cricket

Ganguly's pat for Bangladesh

CHITTAGONG, DEC. 23. Indian captain Sourav Ganguly had words of praise for Bangladesh's gritty display, but said the opponent, however, was never in the race in the opening encounter of the three-match limited-overs series, which India won by 11 runs here on Thursday.

"It was a good toss to win for Bangladesh, which used the seaming conditions well. The pitch was difficult to play on in the morning," Ganguly said.

Bangladesh skipper, Habibul Bashar, was thrilled by his side's performance. "We lost a few quick wickets in the second half of the innings, otherwise we could have taken the match even closer," he said.

"Realistically speaking, we can only aspire to stretch India. If we can do that in the next two matches, there can be nothing better for us. It will prepare us for our coming series against Zimbabwe," said Bashar, who top-scored for his side.

Bashar described wicketkeeper-batsman Khaled Mashud as a man for a crisis. "He is so dependable. I think he is among the better ones in his breed today."

Md. Kaif was adjudged the `man of the match.' — Our Principal Correspondent

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