The nine-nation 'sudden death' cricket tourney begins at the refurbished Bangabandhu National Stadium today amidst pomp and splendour and under a shadow of uncertainty surrounding the unpredictable weather - but not at all an unusual phenomenon at this time of the year.
The Bengali month of Kartik has always been notorious for its treacherous behaviour known as Kaitan.
New Zealand will be playing against Zimbabwe in the opening match. This could be a one-match tournament for all the teams. The prospects are as bright or as bleak for every team and in a game of this variety anything bizarre can happen.
New Zealand is no stranger to this ground. I am not talking about this team. They first came here in November 1955 and played an official Test match on a matting wicket. In a low-scoring match they almost lost to Pakistan but were saved by untimely rain. Two of the world's best opening batsmen of the time, Bert Sutcliffe and John Reid, graced the dressing room but hardly could offer anything in the form of cricket.
They again visited this land of ours in 1969. This time matches were played on turf, nay clay. The wicket was so shiny that one could see himself on it. It was a November again, but this time it was pleasant and profitable for the tourists. New Zealand's one of the all time greats, Glenn Turner, delighted the knowledgeable Dhaka crowd with his maiden Test hundred. In the second innings the burly Peter Burgess produced a dour unbeaten innings of 119 out of a total of 200 runs. It was a tremendous effort that saved the match for his side.
Since the official ODIs started at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on 5 January, 1971, New Zealand had produced some good results off and on but they had not been very consistent. The Kiwis have impressive record in the World Cup of 1975, 1979 and 1992 as they reached the semifinals only to be beaten by West Indies, England and Pakistan respectively.
Since Fleming took over the reins of the team the Kiwis are having a mixed fortune. In Australia last season they had a torrid time but won a series against Zimbabwe (4-1). But the absence of a very powerful all-rounder, Chris Cairns, must be telling upon the strength of the team. They will be looking for runs from Astle, Parore, Flemming and young McMillan and Simon Doull and Chris Haris for the wickets.
But I strongly feel that a delightful left-hander as he is, Flemming should promote himself in the batting order. This unassuming youngman is a treat to watch when he is in command. I think he is doing disservice to his side as well as to himself by coming at no 7 or 8 position.
The newest addition to the exclusive club of 9, Zimbabwe, can not be written off. They are a fine team and capable of producing a couple of surprises in the tournament on their maiden appearance in Dhaka. Whatever may be the result of the exhibition match at BKSP, Zimbabwe is flying high after their recent showing against the mighty Indians. It is no mean achievement for the Africans to wrest a one-day match and then turn the table on Azhar's men in the only Test match. The Flower brothers, skipper Alistair Campbell, Goodwin are in good nick and the Zimbabweans will be naturally expecting them to provide with respectable scores.
Though bowling is not the forte of the African outfit, nonetheless Heath Streak and Paul Strang should be watched very carefully.
But if we go by the words of Phil Russell, the 'pitch pundit', the turf at Dhaka 'will behave like a young lady'. Russell, however, did not say about the nationality of the 'lady' but we take it that his subsequent remarks about the pitch indicate the bounce may be low and wicket generally slow. Dhaka wicket is notorious for its low and uneven bounce and traditional slowness, hence mediumpacers should do well on this track.
We should expect an absorbing contest today.