Brave Hearts( BD Tigers) VS Goliath( South Africa ) - An Analysis

[ehteshamul]

BRAVE HEARTS( BD TIGERS) VS GOLIATH( SOUTH AFRICA) - T20 AND ONE DAY SERIES ANALYSIS

In about 3 days our Brave Hearts take on the Mighty Goliath South Africa on their own den for One T20, Three One dayers, Two Tests.

This analysis is focused ion T20 AND Three ONE DAYERS ONLY

Tour schedule for T20 and One dayers

05 Nov. 2008 T20 (Day Night)
Venue: Liberty Life Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

07 Nov. 2008 1st ODI (Day Night)
Venue : Senwes Park, Potchefstroom

09 Nov. 2008 2nd ODI (Day)
Venue: Willowmoore Park, Benoni

12 Nov. 2008 3rd ODI (Day Night)
Venue : Buffalo Park, East London

Bangladesh (This team is chosen for 20 20 and One day series)

1. Mohammad Ashraful (Captain)
2. Mashrafe Bin Mortaza (Vice Captain)
3. Tamim Iqbal
4. Zunaed Siddique
5. Shakib Al Hasan
6. Mehrab Hossain Jr.
7. Mushfiqur Rahim (Wicketkeeper)
8. Naeem Islam
9. Abdur Razzak
10. Shahadat Hossain
11. Syed Rasel
12. Nazmul Hossain
13. Mahbubul Alam
14. Roqibul Hassan
15. Imrul Kayes

South Africa - One day Team
1. Greame Smith
2. Johan Botha
3. Hashim Amla
4. Mark boucher
5. AB de Villiers
6. Jean-Paul Villiers
7. Johann Louw
8. Albie Morkel
9. Morne Morkel
10. Justin Ontong
11. Dale Steyn
12. Monde Zondeski
13. Ryan MClaren

How are we prepared to take the big boys – Goliath.?

Batting

Our top order (first 4) has been in shambles in the just concluded series against New Zealand.

It is Do or Die for Ash and Zunaid .

I wonder how long more we absorb such pathetic batting displays from them.

Thanks God .We are indeed blessed with 3 in 1 Saqib.

Batting, Bowling or Fielding he has time and again proved to be our savior.

Good news is Mr Rock - Raqibul is back .

Our Middle order of Mehrab and Rahim has shown good temperament in putting up valiant fight against the .New Zealanders.

Mashrafe as a Tailender has been our Brave Heart and twice saved the team from utter disaster with 2 timely gallant knocks.

So overall except the top order the batting looks okay if not something substantial.

Bowling

Mashrafe did pretty well.

He is off course short of a good partner.

Shahadat was completly out of form.

Robin is raw . But could be very handy with his kind of bowling in south African conditions

The most heartening news is we have a new Bowling Coach Ramanayake.

If he can fine tune Robin and Shahadat and pass on some match winning tips of fast bowling who knows BD might come up with few surprises.

Captaincy.

A major blunder of our Selectors for not handing over the captaincy to Mashrafe who shone outstanding performance with both batting and bowling.

With such a consistently poor batting form it is impossible for Ash to get the best from his mates.

When the Captain does bad it shatters the morale of rest of the team.

A feeling of negativity is rubbed on team members that if the Captain poorly score and still retain his place in the team why should they bother to strive for better score.

Plus you cannot command respect from your teammates when you are failing and failing continuously .

They should have handed over the captaincy to Mashrafe and allow Ash to bat without worries at lower down the order to regain his form or even give a break to find what has been ailing him and allow him to do some soul searching and rectify himself.

That is not to be. I find this outrageous and unfair to Mashrafe.

Coaching

Champaka Ramanayake will add new dimension to team management in providing Bowling inputs which was non existent before. Siddo together with Ash and Ramanayake will now be able to discuss things that are challenging or when chips are down.

One wished if Bulbul cold have gone as a Manager. He could pass on valuable tips to batsmen as and when required.

With a better Think Tank available I think the performance would be much better than the last time when we were thrashed 3 nil.

Opposition

South African Bowling looks threatening with Dale Steyn Morkel and Monde Zondeski.

Dale Steyn is a killer bowler. Our Batsman better learn newer techniques to confront and overcome him.

However the Batting does not look that formidable with only 4 reputed names - Greame Smith, Hasem Amla, Mark Boucher and A de Villiers. So if our Bowlers can get them early the rest should not be problem.

My Prediction:

T20 – Close match.

One Day : May cause an upset maybe 1 win and two loss.

Test Match : One loss and One draw.

May Allah Help BD Tigers to bring Success and Honor for the country

[Rommel]

In the bowling area, you forgot about Syed Rasel.

[ehteshamul]

Originally Posted by ro1249
In the bowling area, you forgot about Syed Rasel.

ro1249 Bhaiyya,

You are abosutely right. Point Taken.

Apologize for missing Rasel. Rasel is actually more effective than Mashrafe in One dayers. He is a wicket taker and more importantly takes wickets when it matters most.

Thanks for your observation and input.

Cheers!

[Eshen]

I have not watched the NZ series, so I don't know how much Sakib has improved lately. But, assuming pitches in SA will be even more pacer friendly than how it was in Darwin, I am not expecting much from him in this series.

It will be Rokibul's first international series outside the subcontinent (provided he stays fit this time). I will be watching with interest how he does in SA.

Tamim-Zunaed - a whole lot depends on those two. If they can't prevent fall of early wickets, our chance of posting competitive totals are slim. Both are technically compact enough to handle SA pacers in SA, what we now need to see is some application.

Ashraful - please show some consistency in this series or get out of the team after this.

[jga]

Originally Posted by ehteshamul

My Prediction:

T20 – Close match.

One Day : May cause an upset maybe 1 win and two loss.

Test Match : One loss and One draw.

May Allah Help BD Tigers to bring Success and Honor for the country

The best and most fair prediction imo.. Good review!

[auntu]

ভাল লেখা এহতেশামুল। :শুকনা গলায়

[ehteshamul]

Thread - Double Red means terrible.

Confused. Does not match with the few feedbacks I have received.

Is it time for me to take a second break from BC ?

Will wait and see till Friday,November 7, 2008.

Cheers!

[Tigers_eye]

Originally Posted by ehteshamul
Thread - Double Red means terrible.

can't let a good thread stay in red.

Thanks Ehteshamul for the analysis. This will be close to realistic if we take the pitch and condition in to account. Which heavily favors Saffers. Whitewash, greenwash how ever you may say it.

We don't even have time to cope with Jetlag even. There is not much practice matches. Poorly scheduled. Pitches are heavily favored for SA. If we saw Steyn in devastating form in BD, just think what he and his friends will do to us at their back yard.
BATTING:
Tamim: His form is worrisome. The way he is giving catch practice to the slip ...
Junaid: Well any type of buncer will get him out. Even in flat BD pitches that happened.
Raqibul: After a long lay off. Not much match practice. He may do well in one out of three matches (50+).
Ash: Walking Wicket.
Shakib: Couple of 4s, out before 20, may be before 10 if he is feeling it.
Mushi: Will be clueless against Smith's plot.
Naeem: 1st away series with the team. Do not expect him to be the savior.
Mash: The fear comes back.
Abdur Razzak: 20+ innings (as he is the best batsman in current form)
Don't expect any resistance from the last two.

We can get embarrassed on this tour. I hope we win the toss and let them bat away. That is the realistic "me" looking at the series. The optimistic "me" wish a T20 win that is all.

[bujhee kom]

good analysis robin bhaiya...!
i say this series is a do or take a leave for ash! all my patience dried up...he used up all the free-pass! just my opinion, sorry cricman bhai and zaianb apu, i don't want to hurt you guys' feelings...

[Antora]

Nice analysis.
I hope Ash decides to score some runs in this series along with Zunaed.
Tamim needs to do something good as well, the last series wasn't exactly the best series he has played.
I am hoping for some good bowling from Mash and Rajib since the pitch in S.A is pacer friendly

[Antora]

Originally Posted by ehteshamul
Thread - Double Red means terrible.

Confused. Does not match with the few feedbacks I have received.

Is it time for me to take a second break from BC ?
Will wait and see till Friday,November 7, 2008.

Cheers!

LOL

[ehteshamul]

Originally Posted by Tigers_eye
can't let a good thread stay in red.

Thanks Ehteshamul for the analysis. This will be close to realistic if we take the pitch and condition in to account. Which heavily favors Saffers. Whitewash, greenwash how ever you may say it.

We don't even have time to cope with Jetlag even. There is not much practice matches. Poorly scheduled. Pitches are heavily favored for SA. If we saw Steyn in devastating form in BD, just think what he and his friends will do to us at their back yard.
BATTING:
Tamim: His form is worrisome. The way he is giving catch practice to the slip ...
Junaid: Well any type of buncer will get him out. Even in flat BD pitches that happened.
Raqibul: After a long lay off. Not much match practice. He may do well in one out of three matches (50+).
Ash: Walking Wicket.
Shakib: Couple of 4s, out before 20, may be before 10 if he is feeling it.
Mushi: Will be clueless against Smith's plot.
Naeem: 1st away series with the team. Do not expect him to be the savior.
Mash: The fear comes back.
Abdur Razzak: 20+ innings (as he is the best batsman in current form)
Don't expect any resistance from the last two.

We can get embarrassed on this tour. I hope we win the toss and let them bat away. That is the realistic "me" looking at the series. The optimistic "me" wish a T20 win that is all.

Thanks Mijan Bhai for a very realistic analysis.

However I have a gut feeling that with a Sri Lankan Bowling Coach available the bowlers
if not in the beginning but later in the tour will give a better perfomance. As I have mentioned in my post South African batting does not look that invincible with only 4 reputed names. So If our Bowlers courtsey effective bowling tips from Ramayanake can get rid of the reputed batsmen earlier then the remaining ones should not be a problem.

I am really excited to see what change in bowling peformance Ramanayake can bring about amongst our bowlers.

We shall wait and see.

[layperson]

Its red again !!!! Now what. Going into hibernation again? Post# 11 by Antora is the best of this thread IMO.

[ehteshamul]

Originally Posted by antora93
Nice analysis.
I hope Ash decides to score some runs in this series along with Zunaed.
Tamim needs to do something good as well, the last series wasn't exactly the best series he has played.
I am hoping for some good bowling from Mash and Rajib since the pitch in S.A is pacer friendly

.
Thanks for the appreciation and your inputs.

I am amazed at your love, affection and passion for BD cricket.

I had the Music and Song section of Quiz developed with you and Bujhee kom Bhaiyya in mind as both of you like Music and songs.

I was spell bound when I heard Shirsha's voice ( Originally A West Bengalee settled in Canada) and instanty thought I should have her on the Music and Song section.

How did you like the songs ? The next one coming up on Friday will be a stunner - Two Teenage Nightingales with Mind Blowing voices.

I will look forward for your feedback. I also have two soulful songs for Bujhee kom Bhaiyya tailor made for him. He will love it as well.

Cheers!l

[RazabQ]

Originally Posted by ehteshamul
Is it time for me to take a second break from BC ?

As myself: While the post creator is free to post and enjoy his dialogue with fellow BCites (within rules), I would be remiss if I did not point out that the 1st break was not a voluntary one Caveat Emptor.

As mod:Layperson, please do not needle unnecessarily. You know you did! If you do not like this thread just stay away

[ehteshamul]

Originally Posted by layperson
Its red again !!!! Now what. Going into hibernation again? Post# 11 by Antora is the best of this thread IMO.

If I stop praising Sri lankan Coach It will be green again. But I will not , even if I decide to go for a Second Break which may still be a possibility.

I am not intimidated or bullied by Red which more than often is shady than real(LOL!)as has been proven by Reader's feedback and when you have that once too often red's credibilty is lost ( LOL!)

[ehteshamul]

Originally Posted by RazabQ
As myself: While the post creator is free to post and enjoy his dialogue with fellow BCites (within rules), I would be remiss if I did not point out that the 1st break was not a voluntary one Caveat Emptor.

As mod:Layperson, please do not needle unnecessarily. You know you did! If you do not like this thread just stay away

Good one RazabQ ! However whether the First Break was a Fair one is anybody's guess.

That is my thinking and a firm one.

Cheers Buddy!

[ehteshamul]

Off topic - Obama Wins and Wins in style.

News of the hour, day, week, month and eternity.

Shall we see a new world of peace, progress and prosperity?

There is hope for everyone now .

Thanks the almighty for his mercy and kindness for this genius and for the world.

Looking forward for celebrations at workplace.

[thebest]

Dear robin,
you need to take your vocabulary more seriously specially word association. Goliath is always associated with David (Biblical connection when David won against Goliath as serious underdog ). So thread title David - Goliath more appropriate. Similarly brave heart should be associated with Scot thus English would be more appropriate. Anyway good analysis. BTW what Obama is doing in this. There are threads for Obama

[RazabQ]

Originally Posted by thebest
Dear robin,
you need to take your vocabulary more seriously specially word association. Goliath is always associated with David (Biblical connection when David won against Goliath as serious underdog ). So thread title David - Goliath more appropriate. Similarly brave heart should be associated with Scot thus English would be more appropriate.

স্বল্প বিদ্যা ভয়ন্কর

[auntu]

এটি আসলে ভদ্রলোকের ব্যক্তিগত সুতা।

[ehteshamul]

Originally Posted by thebest
Dear robin,
you need to take your vocabulary more seriously specially word association. Goliath is always associated with David (Biblical connection when David won against Goliath as serious underdog ). So thread title David - Goliath more appropriate. Similarly brave heart should be associated with Scot thus English would be more appropriate. Anyway good analysis. BTW what Obama is doing in this. There are threads for Obama

Thanks for the observation and feedback.

I have used the BD Tigers to represent David and South Africa to represent Goliath from the legendary myth David vs Goliath

I meant that BD Tigers after their gallant fight back in both One day and Test matches
had developed a Self belief which if they could sustain could topple formidable South Africa .

Here is a write up from Wikipedia which I am providing below for readers to get acquainted with the legendary bout between David an Goliath

This is the account of the battle between David and Goliath given in 1 Samuel, chapter 17:[1]
Saul and the Israelites are facing the Philistines at Socoh in Judah. Twice a day for forty days Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, comes out between the lines and challenges the Israelites to send out a champion of their own to decide the outcome of the battle in single combat, but Saul and all the Israelites are afraid. David is present, bringing food for his older brothers. He is told that Saul has promised to reward any man who will defeat the Philistine champion, and David declares he is not afraid. Saul reluctantly agrees and offers his armour, which David declines in favour of his sling and five stones which he takes from the brook.

David and Goliath confront each other, Goliath with his armour and shield-bearer, David with his staff and sling. "And the Philistine cursed David by his gods", but David replies: "This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down, and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that Yahweh saves not with sword and spear; for the battle is Yahweh's, and he will give you into our hand."[2]
David then strikes Goliath with a stone from his sling, and the Philistine falls on his face to the ground. David seizes the sword of the giant and kills him, then cuts off Goliath's head. The Philistines flee and are pursued by the Israelites "as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron". David puts the armour of Goliath in his own tent, and takes the head to Jerusalem. Saul sends Abner to inquire whose son this is who has routed the Philistines and killed their champion; Abner brings David before Saul, who asks him whose son he is, "And David answered, 'I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite

As far as Brave hearts is concerned I chose the term to represent the Gallant ,Fighting
and Never say Die attitude of BD tigers which I compared to Wallace Portrayed by Mel Gibson who creates a legend of himself, with his courageous defence of his people and attacks on the English.
Hope this helps.

The unfortunate thing about this thread is when most people has appreciated including yourself is that it still finds a red Rating which brings to the question whether the people entrusted with rating are competent or just doing in whims.. Ridiculous !

[ehteshamul]

Originally Posted by auntu
এটি আসলে ভদ্রলোকের ব্যক্তিগত সুতা।

Antu,

Can You explain In plain English what you meant? I did not quite fathom.

And watch your language please next time. I will take it from there.

By the way I am not intimidated or bullied by anyone

[RazabQ]

As myself:

Originally Posted by ehteshamul
Antu,
Can You explain In plain English what you meant? I did not quite fathom.

That you don't know Bangla is not Auntu's problem is it? This is a Bangladeshi forum and no one should ever feel _compelled_ to communicate _only_ in English.

And watch your language please next time. I will take it from there.

If you did know Bangla then you would know that he has not violated any forum rules with his comment. Anyway, since you are incapable of comprehending whether you could ever possibly be wrong (witness your long post on David vs. Goliath which totally misses the point), all Auntu said is "This is really the gentleman's personal thread".

By the way I am not intimidated or bullied by anyone

Perish the thought ....


BTW, anyone can rate the threads - but just once. The fact that yours are red means that the majority feel that way about the thread.

[Zunaid]

Originally Posted by ehteshamul
Antu,

Can You explain In plain English what you meant? I did not quite fathom.

And watch your language please next time. I will take it from there.

By the way I am not intimidated or bullied by anyone

You will NOT take it from anywhere. Mods and admins will take it where it needs to go. If you have issues PM to mods and stop admonishing folks who do not pay servile attention to you.

Posted as an admin.