DHAKA: Dream journey of Bangladesh Cricket team in the World Cup Cricket takes off Sunday with a vision for qualifying for the semifinals.
For the golden generation of Bangladesh Cricket it is most likely going to be the last time endeavoring together. Fabulous five: Mashrafe, Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiq and Mahmudullah provide the nucleus of the team. Talented Soumya, Liton, Mustafiz, Miraj, Saifuddin, Rubel, Mosaddek, Mithun and Sabbir add depth and diversity.
In 2015 world cup in Australia New Zealand Bangladesh reached quarter final. Many think a bit better umpiring in the match against India at MCG could have carried them still further. The team matured in between 2015 -2019 winning bilateral series against Pakistan, India, South Africa, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan since then. Bangladesh also beat England and Australia in ODI also. Qualified for the semi final for the Champions trophy and Asia cup. Very recently they won Tri Nation ODI series played in Ireland featuring host and West Indies. The team comprising of five of the most experienced high quality cricketers and talented youngsters have quality for challenging the best of the best in the game.
Bangladesh starts their world cup journey against strong South Africa at the Oval Sunday. All participating team apart from Bangladesh and India have so far played their first game. 10 teams would have to play against one another. Host England, reigning champion Australia, Champion of the Past West Indies and strong New Zealand won their respective matches almost blowing the opponents out in one sided encounters. Match today promises for mouth watering contests. Tigers in good numbers are expected to flock at Lords.
The first four matches played so far disprove the popular feelings that this world cup would witness run feast and prove as graveyard for the bowlers. Many predicted about 300 plus score scored and regularly chased. But so far only England managed a score above 300. In other three matches three teams from South Africa struggled coming to terms with pace and bounce of the wickets.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka were blown out by West Indies and New Zealand. Afghans resisted Australians a bit scoring just over 200.
One fortunate change is that sun has come out and expected to keep shining brightly rest of the time of the tournament. Bangladesh would play its first match against South Africa at Lords. Bangladesh think tank must have seen how poor technique of Pakistan and Sri Lankan batsmen against sharp rising deliveries brought in their down fall. Tamim, Soumya, Liton and Mithun have better skills dealing with short balls. All play square of the wickets shots – cut, pull and hook well.
Strong middle order of Shakib, Mushfique and Mahmudullah are also in good nick. Tigers need scoring near 300 runs to challenge South Africa if they bat first. There is no need for flamboyance early on. Apart from Ngidi and Rabda South African bowling is not that menacing. Steyn is still not match fit. Bangladesh can handle rest of the bowling with ease and comfort.
Tamim and Soumya in all probabilities would open. Given the form and fitness of Liton he should also be included whether he bats at 3 or 7. I suggest not playing Shakib at three. He will be better suited at 5where he can punish the lesser bowlers for setting up a big score. Mithun can bat at three, Mushfiq at four, Shakib at five and Mahmudullah at six. Mosaddek may play the first match at seven. Rest of the batting can be taken care of Miraj, Mashrafe, Rubel and Mustafiz. Injured Saifuddin may not be risked for the first match.
Options for playing XI are: Tamim, Soumya, Mithun, Mushfiq, Shakib, Mahmudullah, Sabbir/ Liton/ Mosaddek, Miraj, Mashrafe, Rubel/ Saifuddin and Mustafiz.
The dilemma is choosing one from Liton, Sabbir and Mosaddek. In form Liton gives flexibility for playing him at three or seven. He can be entrusted with the task of keeping. Moassdek can add strength at late order, tee off quick and can bowl few overs of spin, Sabbir is an attacking batsman. Fit Saifuddin is a budding all rounder. Rubel is X-factor. Hope team think tank would place horses for the courses.
Mushfiq, Mustafiz and Rubel should fancy bowling on right length and length. Shakib and Miraj can strangle protean batting in the middle overs. Bangladesh must field well and take all their chances.
Bangladesh beat a very strong South Africa in 2007 when Mashrafe, Shakib, Tamim and Mushfiq were rookies. Now are now the most matured players with huge international experience. Bangladesh has no reasons not to be considered favorites today for making winning start.
A winning start is essential. A win against South Africa would put Bangladesh in good stead for the following matches against New Zealand and England.
BDST: 1116 HRS, JUN 2, 2019
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