If Bangladesh wins the ODI match today it wins its 10th ODI matches on a trot, it wins the third consecutive ODI series at home.

On the other hand, India’s woos in ODI series will continue. They lost against Australia in bilateral ODI series, came third among three in Carlton Mid triangular ODI tournament and lost miserably against Australia in the semifinal of ICC World cup.

India with its strongest squad embraced comprehensive defeat by 79 runs in the first ODI on Thursday (June 18). They were completely out played in all departments of the game. Weather permitting the match today is expected to generate a fascinating contest. India has its reputation at stake and will leave nothing unturned to reverse. However, the new Bangladesh may prove again a hard nut to crack.

We have seen shallow vision comments of once leading Pakistani pace bowler Sarfraz Nawaz about the Indian defeat. He discovered a conspiracy behind Indian losing as it has made the Pakistan appearing in the Champions trophy almost impossible. Normally would not like to take seriously on such unimaginative loose talks of a Pakistani. Sarfraz knows well Pakistanis more than any nation have the ill reputation of match fixing, losing matches for money. It is only Pakistani players who even served terms in prison for match fixing. Did Pakistan get white wash against Bangladesh intentionally?

Bangladesh needs to maintain its composure and play its usual game today. We find no reason to change the winning combination. The four pacers theory worked and will work if the bowlers can pitch the bowl consistently on the right spot. We saw some discussions about replacing Rubel with Sunny. We do not think that will be a smart decision. Rubel should go flat out and try to catch Indian batsmen napping. He is a wicket-taking bowler and will definitely come with his “A” game as it is required today.


Indian batsmen are expected to bat far more aggressively. They may attack young Mustafiz early on. Mashrafe must execute Plan B and Plan C if that happens. The young boy is a natural talent. He will definitely remain undaunted. Taskin will also be the key in teasing the Indian batsmen with his pace and movement. Team should have full confidence in the ability of Mashrafe and Shakib in chipping with few wickets. Nasir is there as cushion. Soumya Sarkar and Shabbir are also other options if required. We find no reason to change Rubel. May be today will be Rubel’s day.

A question or two has arisen about Liton. He is a very talented young player. He definitely deserves some patience with him. Whether or not he should bat at number three may be considered. If Mushfiqur feels comfortable, he should bat at three especially if Bangladesh has to chase a sizable Indian score, Shakib should appear at four, and Liton can bat at five.



Bangladesh has quality and depth in batting as Shabbir and Nasir are also in good form. There are no reasons why Bangladesh should not produce another 300 plus score if it bats first or chase the similar target.  It will not be recommendable for any change although for a while there were thoughts of bringing Mominul at number three.

If Bangladesh loses early wicket then Liton should bat at three as he is a proven opening batsman in local condition. Few persons talked about wicket keeping of Mushfiqur Rahim. We have seen he dropped two but took five catches in match one. Some catches he took were extraordinary. Mushfiqur behind the wicket always gives extra encouragement to the bowlers. If he opts not to keep wickets in longer version that is his choice. However, till he feels comfortable there are no reasons to put Liton or any other person behind the wicket in ODI. From behind, he can perfectly judge the pace and bounce of the wicket .This helps him in his batting as he still is the premiere batsman and a bright innings from him is forthcoming. As wicket keeper, he can guide the bowlers and can assist Mashrafe better in effecting bowling changes. His constant chirping from behind also encourages the bowlers and the team.

India with their reputation at stake will definitely appear with all guns blazing. Rohit, Kohli and Dhoni are the key batsmen Bangladesh should be additionally alert against them. We are sure Bangladesh has done required home works against each. Kohli and Dhoni for the second match in succession failed against Bangladesh. Rohit and Raina were the main scorers in both matches though both were lucky to survive in the world cup quarterfinal at MCG. We do not think Dhawan or Rahane can cause much damage if they can be pressurized with good accurate bowling.

India in all possibility will play Stuwart Binny replacing struggling Mohit Sharma. That must not be a big concern for Bangladesh though he had past proven success against Bangladesh last year at Mirpur. India may also play Axer Patel. Bangladesh has not played against him. But again Bangladesh will have to play Ashwin and Jadeja a bit carefully.

A win today will ensure the series win. A win today will ensure Bangladesh playing in ICC Champions trophy next year. A win today will answer many Indian promotional advertisements in their media. A win today will be a perfect answer to Mr Srinivasan. Bangladesh has already prevailed over two of the three ICC musketeers. ICC must start reviewing opening up the door to all full member countries for all international tournaments. It was completely illogical restricting ICC tournaments to top eight ICC full members in the context of globalization of the game.

The match will be played on the ground. All previews, pre-match discussions mean nothing if team cannot execute the plans on the ground. Bangladesh will have to play consistently well. India will be desperate for win. They are a formidable team and very experienced. However, a desperate team is always vulnerable and is always prone to mistakes. Bangladesh must remain proactive and exploit.

A matter requires discussion a bit here. We have repeatedly seen the video clipping of Captain Cool (?)  Dhoni knocking boy Mustafiz .The more we see the more we get convinced that Dhoni could definitely avoid it .This was reported and this is definitely a level two offence. But we read from media that hectic parleys by Indian team management rescued Dhoni of definite suspension. Innocent Mustafiz was also fined. Bangladesh team management should have pleaded on behalf of Mustafiz given that it was his first match.


We hope weather will not interfere. If it does then Sarfraz Nawaz type unethical person may discover another conspiracy theory of Bangladesh conspiring with nature.  We must also remember it is only a match and not a war.  There should not be any animosity beyond the playground.

Tigers have the taste of blood. Hungry tigers are always relentless.

** Golden Opportunity for Team Tigers

BDST: 0830 HRS, JUN 20, 2015
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