Bangladesh having already lost the ODI series against South Africa through losing the first two matches by 10 wickets and 104 runs is on the verge of getting white washed.
They have nothing to lose today when they appear again today at Buffalo Park, East London for playing the last match of the series. The trend of the tour so far does not give enough confidence in anyone that the team would suddenly turn around and strike magic.
Yet given the potential and past proven track record of team tigers in recent time there are possibilities that Mashrafe inspired team may play for pride and salvage something out it. We still have faith that Bangladesh can win even today if only players realize their role and play as a team.
But for that bowlers must bowl consistently well in the right channel, batsmen must play every ball according to merit and not panic, fielders must remain sharp and agile. The second ODI could be a different ball game if early chance in the offer of AB de Villiers was accepted. He alone blew Bangladesh away from the match.
Tamim, Mustafiz are down and out, Soumya, Sabbir and Nasir have done very little so far. Excepting in the second ODI Bangladesh bowled very poorly. But there have been definitely some signs of improvement in batting. Mushfiq, Kayes, Mahmudullah seem to have come to terms with the pace and bounce of the wicket.
What Bangladesh lacks is playing as a team. They are far better team than what they have played so far. True the wickets, the conditions, the environment are very different. But they are paid professionals. They are into the big league. They have to adjust and acclimatize. They have highly paid professional coaching stuff to mentor them, guide them. There cannot be any excuse that they would improve.
With Tamim not there Bangladesh should play Soumya as opening partner of Kayes. If Soumya gamble works Bangladesh would have good start and the job would be half done. Mominul should be given opportunity today and slotted at number three. Shakib, Mushfiq and Mahmudullah should bat at 4 , 5 & 6. Liton can bat at 7. Either Sabbir or Nasir should be replaced with Mehedi Miraz as neither did much so far to stick on.
Mashrafe, Rubel and Taskin can complete the team. Bangladesh if bat first has to score 320 -330 runs to set challenge for the South Africans. With Amla not playing today if Bangladesh can strike early there may be opportunities of making South Africa struggle. ABD is also a human being. Another Monster may not appear today in ABD. But for that pacers have to take early wickets and Shakib and spinners must put their acts together.
Bangladesh has really nothing to lose today .They have been enough humiliated losing four matches on a trot already. Another loss today will have back to back white wash in two formats but a win would raise their morale for doing well in T20 series.
Back home BCB bosses are busy plotting how to maintain the absolute control in the ensuing election. They appear to be hardly bothered how the team is struggling out there. Everyone wants to father success, failures are orphans. It is not the players alone the entire team management is responsible for the pitiable plight of the team out there.
My suggested team today would be:
Kayes, Soumya, Mominul, Shakib, Mushfiq, Mahmudullah, Sabbir/Nasir, Miraz , Mashrafe, Rubel and Taskin
BDST: 0918 HRS, OCT 22, 2017
SI
