Notwithstanding the below par performance of Bangladesh cricket team of the past few months Bangladesh in my opinion is still the strongest team and is favorite for winning the Nihadas Tri nation T20 tournament.
India has rested half of its best XI players. Struggling to find their feet again in world cricket Sri Lanka is without Angela Matthews and Dinesh Chandimal. In matters of quality and experience Bangladesh is the strongest with Tamim, Mushfiq and Mahmudullah in the team. True the team was looking out of sort for a while after disastrous South Africa tour. The performance at home since early 2018 in all formats were well below par.
The morale kept deepening, shoulders were dropping. They required a spark. They got that spark in a record setting win against the host Sri Lanka in the last match. Chasing a target of 215 in T20 international and winning in emphatic fashion must have regenerated energy and spirit. This momentum should carry Bangladesh through to the final and may also win them the trophy.
Sri Lanka definitely got shocked and awed from the unbelievable loss against Bangladesh. They also lost the following match against India. Now Bangladesh has two back to back match against India and Sri Lanka. In the present situation it wont surprise anyone if Bangladesh win both or at least against Sri Lanka. That will ensure a berth for the final.
Tamim, Mushfiq and Mahmuduallh in between them have played more matches in all formats than even Rohit, Dhawan and Raina. We can not bring anyone of the present Sri Lanka team in comparison with the three tigers. The nearest is Upal Tharanga. The bowling Bangladesh is also no less potent than either India or Sri Lanka. India has only Chahal from the main team. Sri Lankans are mostly new.
Mustafiz is definitely the best bowler of the tournament. It is only matter of time Taskin, Rubel and Mehedi Miraj would come of their own. Bangladesh off course misses the ace all rounder their captain Shakib Al Hasan. The only thing where Bangladesh is lacking is a qualified and experienced head coach and thinking cap among team management.
Some sort of panic set in Bangladesh following sudden loss of form of key players mid way through Tri Nation ODI tournament in Dhaka. There was no qualified person to mentor them. Some controversial incidents one after another also created disbelief and mistrust in the team.
Why Charismatic Mashrafee Was Pushed Into Retirement?
What was the actual reason behind charismatic but sentimental Mashrafee announcing retirement mid way of T20 series in Sri Lanka? He is inspirational leader. He is not only the best new ball bowler he is also the binding glue of the unit .His presence makes all in the team put in their best efforts.
The incidents which led to his retirement deserve a probe. It has not happened without the knowledge of BCB President Nazmul Hasan . Why he did not intercept then and there? He was very much present in Sri Lanka at that time. He was heard requesting Mashrafe coming out of retirement much later knowing well that self respecting Mashrafe wont bulge.
Why The Best Test Captain Was Bangladesh Removed?
There cannot be any semblance of doubt that Mushfiqur Rahim is the best technically equipped batsman Bangladesh ever products. Records would evidence that he was the best test batsman. Bangladesh won tests against England and Australia under his leadership. With experience he was maturing as a captain. With his limited resources he could not risk being aggressive all the time. By nature he is a bit introvert. He was also being pushed to the brink for a while. He loves wicket keeping from where he cheers up his mates constantly.
First attempts were made to strip off wicket keeping. He was not liking dictating him all the time by the head coach. He had to vent his feelings during the tour of South Africa. Without judging his frustration BCB chose to strip him off his captaincy. In our opinion this was unfair to another hero of Bangladesh Cricket.
Why Mahmudullah and Mominul Were Excluded From Bangladesh Squad Against Australia?
In our opinion Mominul and Mahmudullah are automatic choice in any format of the game. Why both were omitted from the squad playing test series at home against Australia? Before that both were overlooked in the centenary test in Sri Lanka. Popular opinion forced BCB bringing back Mominul and he proved his quality. Little bird has skill and temperament for representing Bangladesh at number three in any format .But BCB ignores him in T20 and ODI. Bangladesh has genuine problem in number three position. Mahmudullah forced his way back He is T20 captain of the present team.
The above controversial matters created discontent among players and once Bangladesh got into losing cycle it started prolonging. Bangladesh appears to have come out of it. Hope the momentum will take Bangladesh higher and higher now.
Another matter may be pointed out here.
Why Akram Khan Is Creating Fumes about Aminul Islam?
It is not understood why BCB Director Cricket Operation is creating fumes in a particular media about Bangladesh Cricket Icon and International Cricket personality Aminul Islam Bulbul? He was never officially offered any position in Bangladesh Coaching staff. Aminul is a certified cricket coach of international reputation. He is now working as Cricket development officer of ICC for Asia.
We are aware of respect he earns from International Cricket Community. It is amazing that his playing mate thinks that his friendly chat is enough alluring him to taking up coaching assignment in Bangladesh. How much control Akram has in selecting cricket coach in Bangladesh?
Bulbul has quality, experience and commitment for Bangladesh. If given opportunity and allowed the freedom that was given to Chadika Hathurusinghe he can take Bangladesh among the top five of ICC Full Members elite club in three years.
BDST: 1316 HRS, MAR 13, 2018
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