Dream comeback for Razzak as Bangladesh thump West Indies

Updated on: 27 July,2009 08:31 AM IST |
AFP |

Suspended due to suspect action in december last year, Razzaq plays critical role in Bangladesh's 52-run win against West Indies in the first ODI yesterday

Suspended due to suspect action in december last year, Razzaq plays critical role in Bangladesh's 52-run win against West Indies in the first ODI yesterday

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Done and dusted:u00a0Bangladesh players celebrate the wicket of West Indies' Travis Dowlin pic/AFP

Razzak, who was prevented from bowling in international cricket in December 2008 due to a suspect action before having his suspension lifted in March, opened the bowling and took four wickets for 39 runs as Bangladesh defended a target of 247 at international cricket's newest venue of Windsor Park.

"I was not surprised when the captain gave me the new ball, especially the way the pitches have been playing in the Caribbean during this series," said Razzak.

"When I played in the Caribbean in the 2007 World Cup, I also used the new ball, so it's normal.

"But this was important for me. I was out of the team for eight months, and now I am back in the side, I am looking to do well."

The victory gives Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with the second ODI scheduled for the same venue tomorrow, and the final ODI on Friday at Warner Park in St Kitts.

Razzak again exposed the West Indies' frailty to spin bowling, after Bangladesh, sent in to bat, were restricted to 246 for nine from their allocation of 50 overs.

Mohammad Ashraful hit the top score of 57 and captain Shakib Al Hasan stroked 54 to lead the Bangladesh batting, despite Kemar Roach taking a career-best five wickets for 44 runs.

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