Humiliating 132 runs huge drubbing of Bangladesh in the second ODI at SBNCS by England not only led to Bangladesh losing the first home series of ODI in 7 years but also pushed them to the brink of series whitewash.
Given the comparative strength of the two teams, form of players it is highly likely that Bangladesh may not be able to avoid the ignominy of series whitewash. This English team is professional from tip to the toe and well-crafted for adjusting in all situation. Bangladesh on the other hand has many issues with players, coaching staff and administration.
English team demonstrated how to deal with situation and circumstance for winning a match in the first ODI. Bangladesh was avalanched in the match two. We are not sure after the battering of match two Bangladesh can turn around and prove competitive. English sail has wind and they will achieve most before the complete their ODI assignment in like-to-like situation of India.
Bangladesh could not master at all English attack in two matches. In the first match Bangladesh just crawled across 200. In the second they could not do that. In batting nothing other than two half centuries of Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan has anything to mention. In both innings Bangladesh failed batting out the quota of overs. This English bowling is versatile and among the top of the world now.
Chattogram wicket will suit better. Tamim stayed at the wicket for sometime in both the match but looked rusty. Litton failed in both the match. Mushfique and Mahmudullah appeared to have past their primes. Shakib played one good innings but failed in the other. Will suggest giving rookie Towhid Hridoy an opportunity resting Mushfique and letting taking the gloves. Shanto can open the batting with Tamim and Litton can bat at five promoting Shakib batting at three. Hridoy can bat at four.
Can Bangladesh learn lessons from the first two matches. In the present state none appears indispensable for the team. The logic of staging BPL 2023 before such a crucial ODI series proved atrocious. T20 and ODI are two different ball game. Bangladesh players did not have enough practice of ODI for encountering the world champions even at own backyard.
BCB Boss must rue himself for talking unsmart in media about team chemistry. Wonder why he had to that? Who gained what from it? Getting back controversial Haturasinghe few days before the series was also not correct. Why he was not brought couple of weeks before. Bangladesh has already lost the series and series whitewash is the most likely outcome. It will then be huge challenge to avoid humiliation in T20 series against red hot England.
A word or two about leadership of Tamim. Why he chose to bowl in the must win second ODI after winning the toss? Taskin is in great form. Why he did not let him bowl with the new ball?
Bangladesh should try bench strength in the third match. Ebadat should be given a go resting Mustafiz. One of the top four should try and bat through taking leaf from Malan and Roy. Bangladesh requires two substantial partnerships for scoring 250 plus. Otherwise, they cannot be competitive.
I find no possibility for Bangladesh winning the third match. Will be happy if they go down fighting. Hope those predicting Bangladesh winning ODI series will read regularly about other teams of the world and their preparation for the world cup.
BDST: 1344 HRS, MAR 05, 2023
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