Bengal Tigers have waited a bit too long, five days, since the commencement of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. They will have opportunity of the first taste of blood tomorrow (Wednesday) at Australian Capital Canberra in its first match against a competitive Afghanistan team that is also aspiring for its first world cup win on the very first attempt.
Afghanistan are very new in world stage and has already made some impression as a difficult team in the limited version of the game. They have already won once against Bangladesh in Asia Cup cricket held in Bangladesh in 2014.
Bangladesh though struggling for form in changed environment has the potential to challenge the best of the best on its day. Some analysts have their own opinion but to us Bangladesh is hot favorite for winning the match at Canberra and making a strong statement.
True that Bangladesh lost all four practice matches – two against Australian selection XI in Brisbane and two against Pakistan and Ireland at Sydney, true that the main players like ICC highest ranked all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and technically the best equipped batsman Mushfiqur has not yet delivered, but it is only a matter of time, quality players will come to their own.
Team Bangladesh will definitely play to their potential and beat Afghanistan as expected in their first match at Canberra.
Tamim Iqbal, the ace opener of Bangladesh, has played two practice matches after recovering from his minor surgery. He produced a lovely innings against Pakistan but failed against Ireland. For the cause of Bangladesh, Tamim has to shoulder major responsibility and make major contribution in the opening match.
Bangladesh have to sort out opening batting dilemma. Anamul Haque has so far not adjusted to the pace and bounce of Australian wickets and Bangladesh do not have a third specialist opener. Young Soumya Sarkar has shown lots of promises.
Should Bangladesh take a calculative risk with Sarkar or they would proceed with Anamul–Tamim business as usual, is a question to be resolved.
We believe Anamul needs only one good innings to rediscover his form. Talented youngster Mominul at number three also struggled apart from the first match. I would suggest that Mushfiqur plays at number three as all Afghanistan has to test Bangladesh is there three prong pace attack–Hamid Hassan and two Zadrans.
The best Bangladeshi batsman Mushfiqur Rahim must play them to avoid early damage. Mahmudullah, Shakib, Sabbir, Nasir can bat at four, five, six and seven respectively. I do not think Afghan bowling attack would be cause a major issue for Bangladesh in scoring 280 runs or chase 250 plus score Canberra Wicket.
Bangladeshi pace bowlers -- Mashrafe, Taskin and Rubel -- have shown signs of adjusting to the fast and bouncy tracks. Although Afghanistan has batted strongly against UAE in practice match we do not think Batting is the strength of Afghanistan.
Mashrafe and company can get break through and quality Bangladeshi spinners can stifle them. We would suggest playing three pacers and one extra left arm spinner preferably Taijul Islam for the match.
Two new balls from two ends and new fielding rule will support five genuine bowlers in the team. Bangladesh will have the luxury of using Mahmudullah, Sabbir and Nasir if required.
The fielding with so many young legs should be better. All catches have to be taken and a more aggressive gesture and total commitment on the ground will be expected.
Toss will be a vital factor. It will better to let the opposition bat first on Canberra wicket. Afghanistan is expected to be a bit nervous as this will be their first match in World Cup. One or two early wickets will dent their morale and Bangladesh can open the floodgate.
Whatever be the case, Bangladesh is the red hot favorite for winning the first match and win big. Let the tigers feast with Afghan kebabs tomorrow night.
BDST: 1041 HRS, FEB 17, 2015
