With 3 matches ODI series already lost through two huge defeats by 91 runs and 7 wickets Bangladesh must leave nothing unturned in the third and last match tomorrow to avoid Lanka wash. The difference of quality between two teams does not suggest Sri Lanka winning by such huge margin unless something is very wrong with team chemistry. Bangladesh bowled, batted and even fielded very poorly in the two matches. 

Except Mushfiq, Mehidy Miraj and Mustafiz, none looked the quality representing Bangladesh. What has gone wrong? There can be win and loss in two horse derby. But such diabolic performance by a team higher ranked than its rival in completely unacceptable.

When the team is tottering from two huge defeats and a Lanka Wash looming a social media viral of some photographs of Bangladesh interim head coach gambling at a Colombo Casino has further rubbed salt to the injury. People usually overlook such personal matters when going is right. But at time of disaster such matters grow big. Hope BCB and Government will deal with this appropriately.

The ODI series has not happened as bolt from the blue. BCB knew it earlier. Why it was not prepared on time? Knowing well that without Shakib, Bangladesh at this moment is a very ordinary team at the moment why he was allowed to go on leave? Why Tamim struggling for form was made captain? Why a controversial person Sujon who was creating issues with head coach Steve Rhodes during CWC 2019 was made head coach? It was also well known to all his gambling habit. The existence of wide gambling opportunities in Colombo allured him. How come such a person with huge task of guiding a team in distress could gamble? Where is the discipline of the team? Has he not tarnished national image?

Bangladesh openers Tamim and Soumya batted terribly in both the matches. Their poor form of CWC continued. Why not Anamul Haq who was drafted in the team as another opener Liton could not go for personal reason not included in the playing eleven? Shakib played so brilliantly in World Cup was not there. In his absence a quality experienced player Mahmudullah should have batted at three. Why Mithun a player dropped after few matches in CWC was slotted at four. Taskin taken in the team to fill in the shoes of maestro Mashrafe was not played. Bangladesh fielded a very ordinary bowling attack in the must win second match. Even Tamim said after the match with this bowling attack Bangladesh could not even defend 300.

In the second ODI great Malinga was not there. Yet Tamim, Soumya, Mahmudullah, Mithun, Sabbir could do nothing. In fact none other than Mushfiq and Miraj looked at all match ready. Bangladesh looks like a lost lot.

Even in this circumstances team must turn around and put its best to salvage some pride. Anamul should be there opening with Tamim dropping Soumya down to bat six. I would strongly suggest Mahmudullah batting at three in this dilapidated unit. I find no place for Mithun struggling to get his form. I will strongly suggest including Taskin in the playing eleven in place of Taijul.

My Squad in that case is - 
Tamim, Anamul, Mahmudullah, Mushfiq, Soumya, Mosaddek, Sabbir, Mehidy Miraj, Shafiul, Taskin and Mustafiz 

With Mahmudullah and three and four Tamim should play his natural flamboyant style. He has not performed at all to his true self in his changed role as anchorman. Hope Anamul utilizes his opportunity. We are sure Mahmudullah does not enjoy batting at 6 or 7. He has quality and caliber for batting higher up. 

If Tamim, Mahmudullah and Mushfiq are close together they can share burden. Soumya, Shabbir and Mosaddek at late middle order can play freely if any of the top four plays long innings.

Taskin will add a wicket taking option along side Mustafiz. Bangladesh attack in two matches looked ordinary. Taskin can be X-factor.

Bangladesh must bear in mind that a series white wash would mean Sri Lanka overtaking Bangladesh in ODI ranking. Once dropped to eight it will be very challenging for Bangladesh recovering again.

Hope Bangladesh can put incidents inside and outside the ground wrapped up before the all important last game and play for dignity and pride.

BDST: 1150 HRS, JULY 30, 2019
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