Cheers to our national cricket team!

WHEN Bangladesh graduated to the quarter-finals, it raised the expectation that the contest would be highly competitive and that Bangladesh was to give a fight. Of course the team was under pressure to chase a big Indian total and until the 35th over; the fight was on. Unfortunately, a few umpiring decisions which have been criticised even by reputed international cricketers and experts cast a shadow over the course of the game.

The first shock came when a no-ball was called against a catch taken by Imrul Kayes off the batting of Rohit Sharma when he was at 90. He went on to add a crucial 47 runs to his score and to the team's. On closer scrutiny it was found to be a proper delivery. This could have been a turning point in the match for Bangladesh team had the decision been different. The second incident was an appeal for LBW off the bowling of Mashrafe against Suresh Raina which was turned down by the umpire. On a replay, it was found that the ball in all probability would have hit the stumps. The final controversy revolved around Shikhar Dhawan's catch of Riyad's shot, where the umpire ruled that his foot had disturbed the rope and replays were apparently inconclusive. At such international level technology is always available for use in reaching correct decisions particularly when they were very close calls. 

Bad umpiring notwithstanding, our team gave a very good account of itself. Now the challenge is to build on the momentum. The professionalism we have shown must now be built upon and exhibited in the coming matches. There should be no going back.