Tiger star Shakib Al Hasan had to fly out last night to stay beside his expectant wife Shishir of their first child. It was great of him appearing in the first ODI and making significant all round contribution in winning the match comprehensively.

He is the number one all-rounder in all formats. It is not possible for any team to find a ready replacement straight away, as he is one in three players.

Given the abundance of batting talents, we think Bangladesh may not miss his batting that much as his controlled and penetrative left arm spin bowling. In that consideration, we felt strongly why not experienced left arm spinner Abdur Razzak replaced him.

Razzak is still among the top spinner of the country and the country’s top ODI wicket taker. He is still in his early thirties and is performing admirably in local cricket. BCB has opted for Anamul.

He is an opener and the team has other options at this moment in Imrul Kayes. Bangladesh may have to repent as Zimbabwe showed clear weakness against quality left arm spin and Razzak was possibly the best answer.

Bangladesh if it wins today will achieve the enviable record of winning 5 consecutive ODI series at home. It will be a huge achievement for inspiring tiger leader Mashrafe.

Even without Shakib Bangladesh team at this moment is a formidable side with quality batsmen, all round bowling attack and excellent athletic fielding unit. But still there is no room for complacency. One great thing that was observed in the first ODI was the expected leadership of senior professionals.

Tamim batted with care, Mushfique was majestic all the way, Shakib was rocking with the ball and Mashrafe was in his usual element. Young Shabbir played superbly with the bat. Only Liton, Nasir and Mahmudullah did not make justice to their reputation and talent. In all probability, Imrul Kayes will open with Tamim drooping Liton at three. Nasir and Mahmudullah may be required to share the role of fifth bowling option.

We think Mashrafe, Al Amin and Mustafiz bowled well within them. It is only a matter of match that Mustafiz would present another match-winning spell. It was great to see young Al Amin back in national duty. Arafat Sunny will have to take additional responsibility in the absence of Shakib.

We do not think that the balance of the team would be tilted that much for the vastly superior Bangladesh team. We hope the team management would not lose confidence on Liton. He is a good batsman in the making and needs time to mature. If this series is won today, we would suggest including Shahriar Nafees and Abdur Razzak for the final ODI.

The team must not have a rigid batting order. Depending on match situation batting order must be shuffled. If the openers give a good foundation Mahamudullah and Mushfique may bat at number three and four slotting Liton at five followed by Shabbir and Nasir.

Mushfique is without doubt the technically best-equipped batsman. He should get the most balls to play. In the first ODI he looked in prime form. The batting must rotate around him. We are sure it is only a matter of time Mahmudullah would anchor the innings.

With Imrul Kayes back Tamim would feel much more comfortable in displaying his usual brand of aggressive batting. Bangladesh must not worry about batting that much as long as all play sensibly. Zimbabwe bowled and fielded well throughout the early part of the first ODI. A careful start and then consolidating must be the way to approach.

My team for second ODI would be
Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mahamudullah Raid, Mushfiqur Rahman, Liton K Das, Shabbir Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Arafat Sunny, Al Amin Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman

Mashrafe should open the attack with Mustafiz. Perhaps he was not feeling well after his fight with dengue fever off late. But he is still the best exponent with new ball and with teenager Mustafiz can strike early damages to any opponents. It is only a matter of time that Mustafiz would strike gold. It was great watching two young stars Al Amin and Mustafiz operating together. With Taskin and Rubel back in action soon Bangladesh future appears assured in the pace bowling department.

We must once again point out that by keeping the door shut to still very active proven track record holder Abdur Razzak Bangladesh may be missing a trick. Anamul is not required in the match today. Imrul Kayes is already there. Shakib’s absence will be missed in providing left arm spinning segment. Who else other than Razzak is better suited for that. He still remains the highest ODI wicket taker.

The first ODI witnessed the debut of Meherab Junior as a commentator. We thought he had excellent first match. Wish him all the best alongside Athar Ali Khan and Shamim Ashraf Chowdhury.

Bangladesh cannot think anything other than celebrating yet another ODI series win today and then will start plotting for another series white wash. But with Dav Whatmore tutoring visitors Mashrafe tiger squad must not be complacent. Circumstances in cricket can alter cases.

BDST: 0842 HRS, NOV 09, 2015
RS