Bangla join the Big League

India, the 1983 champions and 2003 finalists, lost to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in their worst World Cup performance since 1979. The loss to undefeated Sri Lanka left India a tiny hope — relying on Bermuda to beat Bangladesh. That was very unlikely, at best.

Bermuda pace bowler Saleem Mukuddem (3-19) rocked Bangladesh, who lost two wickets in 11 deliveries to slide to 37-3 before an unbroken 59-run stand between Saqibul Hasan (26 not out) and Mohammad Ashraful (29 not out) carried the Bangladeshis to victory. Put in to bat first after Bangladesh skipper Habibul Bashar won the toss, Bermuda’s challenge was undermined by the frequent rain-caused disruptions that saw the overs gradually getting reduced from 50 to 21.

The game began as a 41-over aside contest after the start was delayed more than 1 1/2 hours. It was reduced to 35 overs-a-side after Bermuda faced three overs, scoring six runs for the loss of opener Stephen Outerbridge (zero) in three overs. The second break occured with Bermuda on 17 for three, having lost Delyone Borden (2) and David Hemp for a duck.

Play resumed with the match reduced to 30 overs and three minutes later another short interruption was caused by a light drizzle, during which the Bangladesh fielders stayed on the boundary line. Bermuda captain Irvine Romaine (11) fell lbw to left-arm spinner Razzak, who went on to claim two more wickets in the last over to return the best figures of 3-20.

At 45 for four in 15.1 overs, play was suspended for the fourth time, the longest break. When play resumed, Bermuda tried to hit out during the remaining time, hitting 49 from 35 balls.