Bangladesh was tipped to perform admirably well in the ongoing Asia Cup for its strong past and extensive experience in ODI format.
But the team got destabilized a bit for some avoidable and unavoidable controversies created over squad selection and some last-minute injuries. The mission got a blow with an unexpected huge loss by 5 wickets against Sri Lanka in their first match at Kandy. The home team appeared without their four first choice bowlers. For some strategic mistakes in selection of playing XI, opting to bat under cloudy sky and playing four left handers in the top Bangladesh failed to bat for 50 overs. Sri Lanka winning the match easily. Bangladesh was pushed to the brink. With their back to wall Bangladesh bounced back winning huge by 89 runs against Afghanistan.
Bangladesh roared back brilliantly into contention. But again, Bangladesh playing poorly at Lahore lost huge by 7 wickets against very strong Pakistan in the group of four. Though the Bangladeshi cricket admirers got frustrated from poor performance of the team, yet all is not lost. Playing to their full potential Bangladesh can bounce back and win today against Sri Lanka. If that happens Bangladesh can create huge challenge for India in the last match. Bangladesh must avail the opportunities with both hands.
The team management must have learned the bitter experience with their experiments with playing XI selection. There is huge issue with the top order specially the opening partnership. Well Bangladesh won the gamble against Afghanistan risking Mehedy Miraz for opening in the match against Pakistan. One does not win gambling all the time. Naim got set in three matches but threw away every time. An opener is expected to stay at the wicket longer giving stability to the batting. I will suggest for playing Anamul Haq Bijoy with Litton Kumar Das as openers. Both are quality players and have extensive experience. Since late order has also huge issues Mehedy should again bat at number 7 again.
For the match against Sri Lanka Shakib can bat at number 3 for the right and left combination. If these stabilizes the batting Afif can be risked at number 4 as in my opinion, he is not a late order batsman. Mushfique and Tawhid Hridoy can be slotted at 5 and 6. Mushfique is the best technically equipped batsman in the team. He must not bat too low at number 6. Moreover, Tawhid Hridoy does not appear at his usual prime form. I am not sure Shamim Patwary is good batsman for ODI. His type of batting can not make him successful in ODI which requires strike rotation. His strokes are very limited. If Bangladesh needs an additional bowling option Shekh Mahedy can be given another opportunity. If Bangladesh bats well score of 280-300 against Sri Lankan attack is very much possible. If that happens ever improving bowling attack can defend that score. Taskin, Shoriful, Hasan Mahmood exploited the wicket and Bangladesh fielded sharp. Once again, I am telling Bangladesh will change if it wins the match today and may make it extremely difficult for India in the last match.
From the present position Bangladesh has no option to bouncing back and redeeming .The opportunities must be grabbed with both the hands.
BDST: 1032 HRS, SEP 09, 2023
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