ICC World Cup 2019 is on the crossroad. Of the 10 teams only Australia with 12 points in 7 matches has so far assured a place among the top four New Zealand, India or England are in advantageous position. But none of them are in absolute assured position. 

Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan are waiting in the wings. Depending on the results of the next few matches’ favors the composition may be changed. Bangladesh needs winning their remaining matches against India and Pakistan.  

We have seen some weird comments of a former Pakistan international cricketer about Bangladesh-India match. Basit Ali told media that the manner in which India played against Afghanistan and West Indies gives him feelings that India may let Bangladesh and Sri Lanka win against them to prevent Pakistan qualifying for the semi final.

Bangladesh is one of teams in this world cup playing consistently very impressive cricket. Of their 7 matches they won against South Africa, West Indies and Afghanistan. They went down fighting against England, New Zealand and Australia. With a little bit of luck going their way Bangladesh could win at least one of the three matches.  Bangladesh was favorite for winning the match against Sri Lanka but rain interfered and points were shared.

India is top favorite for winning the world cup. Under no circumstances they would risk losing winning momentum before knock out round. Moreover, Bangladesh is very competent for winning against Pakistan and India.  Bangladesh has won bilateral series against both India and Pakistan. Bangladesh also beat Pakistan and India even in the world cup.

Having seen every minute of every match of this world, this writer has firm conviction that very determined Bangladesh will not require any grace from any quarter for winning against India and Pakistan.

Strategy against India:

Apart from Rohit and Kohli, this India team does not have world class batsmen those can be compared with Ganguly, Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxsman. In 2007 world cup, the then rookie Mashrafe, Tamim, Shakib and Mushfiq shattered the dreams of India. All four are now well established international cricketers. There is no reason why their combined efforts bolstered by the exuberance of Soumya, Liton, Mosaddek, Mustafiz, Siafuddin can not unsettle India.
  
Indian batsmen are mostly right handers and they play spin better than any team. Their batting against Afghan spinners off course does not establish this notion. Bangladesh played Afghan spinners much better. Would suggest considering inclusion of Rubel in place of Miraj for the match. Indian batsmen in this world cup looked vulnerable against pacers bowling at length and moving. Mustafiz, Rubel and Saifuddin would trouble them. Mashrafe in his twilight time may also deliver killer blows. 

If Rohit and Kohli can be removed chiefly I do not think rest of the Indian batting can create much of an impact. The number one ODI all rounder is also in prolific form with his left arm spin. He will be a threat for Indian batting on English wicket started gripping and turning. Indians definitely struggled against Mujeeb, Nabi and Rashid. Their star finisher MS Dhoni looks a shadow of his past.

All Bangladesh needs is batting to the best of their ability. Bumrah and Chahal are their two difficult bowlers who need to be taken care. Tamim, Mushfiq, Liton and Mahmudullah have impressive records. Soumya and Mosaddek may also contribute. Bangladesh twice scored over 300 in this world cup against strong attack of South Africa and Australia. They bat very deep. They have the most experienced bunch of batsmen.

Now we have to see whether Soumya-Tamim or Liton-Tamim would be ideal combination for the opening partnership. Though I like right left combination yet considering better skill of Liton against spin would suggest playing Liton at five. Soumya may play an explosive innings at the top and upset Indian plan. Liton, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek and Saifuddin in late middle order can bat out India in the match. We are sure Tamim, Shakib and Mushfiq will deliver.

My team against India would be 

Tamim, Soumya, Shakib, Mushfiq, Liton, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek, Saifuddin, Mashrafe, Rubel and Mustafiz

If Bangladesh win against India, Pakistan will be easily disposed of in their last match. Bangladesh have played well against quality English, Australian, South African and West Indian pacers. So Amir, Wahab and Shahin Shah should not cause any issue. On the other hand other than Babar Azam Pakistan batsmen would struggle against quality Bangladesh spinners. Even Mustafiz will be too hot to handle for them. 

Against Pakistan my team would be 
Tamim, Soumya, Shakib, Mushfiq, Liton, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek, Miraj, Saifuddin, Mashrafe and Mustafiz

We have seen some quarters have started questioning about Mashrafe. We must not forget Bangladesh cricket team is what it is now for his excellent leadership and useful contribution. He may be playing his last few matches. Nature will bless this wonderful athlete with glittering performance in his twilight. His grateful mates will leave nothing unturned when he leads them.

BDST: 1414 HRS, JUNE 28, 2019
RS