It will be the last occasion for team Tigers for redeeming. Sri Lanka kept on bull dodging Bangladesh since the tri nation ODI series. Never in the recent past Bangladesh had such experience.
Teams like Australia, England, South Africa, India and New Zealand found Bangladesh very competitive. The performance of team Tigers in ODI, Tests against Sri Lanka were demoralizing and disgraceful. The team definitely has potential for playing much better cricket. But for reasons many know the team looks clueless in executing plans in the ground.
Off course not smartly prepared Dhaka and Chittagong wickets played a major part in such questionable performances. We do not think that the team is mentored at all professional, neither Khalad Mahmud Sujon or present BCB management possess that capability.
Mashrafe hung up his boots as far as T20 international is concerned; Shakib and Tamim are unavailable through injuries. Mahmudullah is endeavoring with young legs under his command.
Sylhet stadium will be a new venue. The picturesque Sylhet Stadium may witness the emergence of New Team Tigers with fresh energy and new commitments. Bangladesh is on the verge of the ignominy of comprehensive series white wash on own backyard. It will be hard to digest.
Bangladesh Must Play for Pride
In the first T20 Bangladesh lost easily even after recording their highest score 193 in T20. These days even 243 is not a safe score in T20 as evidenced yesterday in Australia hunting down that target against New Zealand. Bangladesh must not worry what has gone into history.
Tigers bowled extremely poorly while defending a huge score. In T20 team needs bowlers bowling consistently on right channel. Mustafiz and Rubel tried taking wickets and erring in line and length. Lankan batsmen were merciless in executing their plan.
Tomorrow in Sylhet Bangladesh must review its bowling options. If not both at least one among Rony and Rahi must be drafted in the playing XI. They bowled exceedingly well in BPL and domestic cricket. I think Afif and Opu bowled reasonably well on debut. I am sure Zakir, Afif and Arif would bat well in the second match. They were bundle of nerve on debut. They will definitely get over soon.
Bangladesh has nothing to lose. They have already lost gloss of a team proving highly competitive at home against all opposition Australia, South Africa, India, New Zealand. Now from its back to the wall Bangladesh must bounce back. It was great watching Soumya responding his critics with his aggressive brand of batting .He must not loose focus getting reckless and must put price on his wicket. Mahmudullah and Musfique appeared in usual sweet touch. Sabbir must deliver or get lost. Several youngsters are waiting on the wing.
I still think Bangladesh missed little bird Mominul at number three. Justice is not being done to him branding his as test specialist only. Hope Bangladesh starts a fresh journey today from Sylhet as many do from this holy city.
My Team for Tomorrow
Soumya, Zakir Afif, Mushfique, Mahmudullah, Sabbir, Arif, Rahi, Nazmul, Mustafiz, Rony
BDST: 0828 HRS, FEB 16, 2018
SI
