The fate of Bangladesh cricket team in World Cup 2019 is on the crossroad. They need winning at least two if not three out of the three remaining matches against Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Many would think Afghanistan is a relatively soft opposition as they have lost all six of their world cup matches so far.
Bangladesh performance was far more impressive in all their matches. Started with an impressive win against South Africa, almost turned the table against New Zealand with a below par score, went down fighting against England, shared points with Sri Lanka in rain abandoned match and won impressively against West Indies.
Batsmen are in prolific form contributing to match scores above 300. Bowling and fielding need tightening. On the other hand much vaunted Afghanistan spin attack after struggling in earlier matches turned around against mighty India at Southampton. Prolific batsmen like Rohit, Virat, Dhoni, Rahul even perspired against Mujeeb, Rashid and Nabi.
Bangladesh plays Afghanistan today at the same venue Southampton. I would rather say this match is going to be made or break for Bangladesh. An impressive win today may give Bangladesh required incentives for even winning against Pakistan and India.
Young Mujeeb is a mystery bowler. I am still unsure whether he is an off spinner or leg spinner? Whether be delivers Carrom Ball, Dushra or Googley? Afghanistan press him at the top.
Bangladesh openers Soumya and Tamim must deal with him with utmost care. There is not need to try and blast him. Milk him with singles, playing in the gap with soft hands. Runs can come from ordinary pacers at the other end. There is no harm scoring 30-40 in the first ten overs. Then Rashid and Nabi come.
Bangladesh has played them a lot and must not panic. The spin trio would ball 30 overs. It will be great if Bangladesh manages 100 runs off their 30 overs. It is very much possible scoring 150- 160 runs from the remaining 20 overs of other bowlers.
Bangladesh may need reshuffling a little bit of the batting order. Mushfique and Mahmudullah are the better players of spin. Mosaddek is also good. Hope Mahmudullah is slotted at least at number 5 and has opportunity for partnering with Mushfique when Nabi and Rashid will be operating.
Southampton is a big ground. Trying lofty shots may not be ideal. Spinners should preferably be played along the ground as much as possible unless they deliver full toss or half tracker.
If Bangladesh can manage a score of 260-270 they can very well defend. Shakib, Mehedy and Mosaddek are no less competent spinners. They will exploit the condition if wicket turns and grips. Mahrafee, Mustafiz and Siafuddin/Rubel are far better bowlers than Afghan pacers. I do not think this Afghan team can score 250 against Bangladesh bowling.
Having said all above, we must bear in mind that Bangladesh does not great records against Afghanistan in ODI. Off the 7 matches the score is 4-3 marginally in favour of Bangladesh. There is no scope of complacency. Bangladesh must not loose focus at any stage.
We are not sure what is cooking in Bangladesh camp? Mosaddek should be match fit and play. His batting and bowling both would be required in the match. Hope the dark cloud looming over Saifuddin’s match fitness is cleared by now. Hope Bangladesh appears at full strength today and make a strong statement.
Mission Afghanistan is the key for opening the door for bigger stage for Bangladesh.
BDST: 1000 HRS, June 24, 2019
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