If only Bangladesh plays to its potential they will win easy against Scotland at Nelson tomorrow.  Win will create the momentum again which will carry them in competing admirably against England at Adelaide oval and New Zealand at Hamilton.

But the bottom line of this to happen is performance from seasoned campaigners Tamim Iqbal, Mushfique, Shakib and Mashrafe. We now have more settled Mahmudullah, two brilliant youngsters Soumya Sarkar and Shabbir and two other quality bowlers Taskin and Rubel. Well the team lost to 2007 and 2011 runners up Sri Lanka at the first appearance in iconic MCG. But Bangladesh had few moments of glory there too. Dilshan, Sangakara can crush any opposition on their day which was again evidenced by their superlative performance against England. True Bangladesh fielded poorly and dropped few catches and missed stumping as well as run out opportunities. These are very much part of the game. But no worries. A team like Scotland must not create any panic. Business as usual may lead Tigers win and win big at Nelson. But we must not take anything for granted. Cricket is a funny game and funny things do happen.

Nelson ground is not very large and condition there assists seam and swing bowling early on. If Bangladesh chose to bat or put in to bat they must bat carefully the early overs not to create any pressure on its quality middle order. A few less informed persons have suggested dropping Tamim and Anamul for the match. The team has come to World cup with two and a half openers. Tamim is definitely the best and the most experienced of them. He failed at MCG to a quality ball of great Malinga. That can happen to the best of the batsmen. Tamim must play. May be Nelson will find Tamim rediscovering his sweet subtle flamboyancy. Tamim needs only one innings to get back into groove. A big innings of Tamim will drive the team to 300+ score as it will take way lot of pressure from middle and late middle order. We would rather suggest resting Anamul and opening with Soumya Sarkar. This lad has quality and courage. He must be given a little advice not to get carried away. If he can play first 8-10 overs carefully choosing the right delivery to strike he can bat Scotland out of the game. Mominul must be allowed to settle and bat at number three. This is where he is most suitable and serves the team better stitching up the innings and holding it together. In this match Mushfique and Shakib must bat at four and five to keep the momentum going. They are the two better quality batsmen and the most experienced along with Tamim in the side and must play more balls rather than coming at six and seven. Mahmudullah, Shabbir and Nasir can built on the solid foundation and finish the innings in a high. Mashrafe, Rubel and Taskin may complete the team.

Few persons have suggested for adding one additional spinner. Even if the wicket assists spin the small ground may make the task difficult for either Arafat Sunny or Taijul Islam. The wicket is expected to have grass and we must rely on Mashrafe, Rubel and Taskin to do the damage. Inclusion of Nasir will give additional option of spin any way.

We have seen Wasim Akram, Sunil Gavaskar, George Bailey and Sourav Gangullyhave found the potential of the team in moving up to quarter final stage. We have seen Bangladesh Cricket icons Aminul Islam Bulbul and Gazi Ashraf Lipu in their column have encouraged the tigers giving few useful tips. We have four high quality talented players –Mashrafe, Shakib and Tamim. All four were there in 2007 when we beat India and South Africa and all four contributed. We now have high quality Mominul Haq. We have two highly talented Shabbir and Soumya Sarkar. This team only needs good counseling from a passionate senior (coach and senior players) to deliver. We are not worried about fielding. Players like Shabbir, Soumya Sarkar, Nasir are as good fielder as anyone. Hope Musfique’s injured fingers have completely healed.

We the adoring fans of Bangladesh are eagerly waiting not to see them winning big tomorrow but for them playing against India at full MCG in the quarter final on 19 March 2015. Bangladesh playing to potential can not only win tomorrow convincingly but can go on beating England and competing admirably against red hot Kiwis. Tigers tweeting can hunt anyone on their day. 

BDST: 1056 HRS, MAR 4, 2015