The T20 International the second of the three matches’ series between rookie Afghanistan and Bangladesh is a do or die match which visitors can not afford to loose.  

But for that to achieve team tigers must shrug off the mental reverse that the first match brought. The body language of the team, team chemistry and above all professionalism were sadly missing. Right from the selection of the playing XI and the toss of the coin Bangladesh kept on doing mistakes. Winning the toss and letting opponent bat on a slow sluggish pitch with three pacers was a negative mentality. Batting first and setting a target of 160 plus Bangladesh also could have created pressure on the less experienced Afghanistan. 

Bangladesh on this wicket should have appeared with two pacers and three genuine spinners. I found no point of playing Abul Hasan Raju ahead of Mehedi Miraj. Even Ariful Huq could be a better choice. However Bangladesh was in reasonable control after Mahmudullah struck double strike in the only over he bowled. We found no logic why Shakib opted for Abu Hasan and Jayed instead of continuing with Riad and Mosaddeque at that stage. There mistakes cost dear and Afghanistan put up a score which was always challenging for a team chasing against a quality spin attack on a slow wicket . 

Even then when Liton and Mushfique were batting Bangladesh was well on course .But both fell to irresponsible reverse sweep. Mushfique acted like a novice trying to sweep reverse off the very first ball of rising star Rashid Khan. I feel Sabbir does not have technique for playing quality spinner. He fell on the very next delivery failing to read a googlie.  Innings fell apart and Bangladesh could not recover.

Hope Team tigers learnt from mistakes. Hope Tamim will be back in his best today. Hope Liton and Mushfique would not make the mistake again today. Hope Shakib would bat at his right position at four or five.  I would suggest playing Ariful in place of Sabbir and Mehedi Miraj for Abul Hasan or Rahi.

Hope Bangladesh think tank studied Afghan players. Hope they could mastermind a plan against each. It will not be easy batting against Rashid, Navi and Mujib on this wicket. No fancy strokes would bring any dividends. One of the top three must bat till the death overs. I `would suggest playing Mahmudullah at three, Shakib at four and Mushfique at five. They are the players who can play Rashid better. Bangladesh played both Rashid and Navi at BPL. Wonderwhy they should struggle against them? How can Zadran get 3 wickets? Bangladesh played much better quality pacers everywhere.

On the other hand Shakib must handle his bowling resources more intelligently. Rubel must be saved for death overs and Mahmuduallh must bowl more .His experience would count.
If Bangladesh can not win today series would be gone and in all probability Bangladesh may have to embarrass the ignominy of series white wash against rookie Afghanistan.

My playing XI today would be 

Tamim, Liton, Mahmuduallah, Shakib, Mushfique, Mosaddeq , Mehedy Miraj, Ariful Huq, Nazmul, Rubel, Rony 

Bangladesh can play care free cricket without bothering too much of Afghanistan bowling attack but obviously with a plan.

BDST: 0847 HRS, JUN 5, 2018
SI