In a few hours time Kangaroos would be up against Bengal Tigers in tigers' den as Sher-E –Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Tigers have never hunted Kangaroo in the T20 International. They only played four times losing all four.
But on this very ground they recorded their only test win. They are in favorably placed now to set a new milestone against a depleted Kangaroo unit having the tails up with winning momentum in Zimbabwe. We know it is not easy for Bangladesh beating any Australian cricket in any format.
Australia is also not a great team of T20. Moreover, their batting is lean and on slow low SBNCS wicket may struggle against Shakib, Mushfique and co. But can Bangladesh without Tamim, Mushfique and Liton handle Starc, Hazelwood and Zampa ? If someone can answer these questions, he or she can only predict the possible outcome of today's match. Hope weather holds good letting the match played to full duration. Having two hats on my head – Australian by choice and Bangladeshi by birth my role should be neutral. Win by Australia can be natural outcome. But win of Bangladesh would give a huge boost for the youngsters – a dream coming true. Let me dig deep.
Australia has the front line bowling attack in Mitchel Starc , Josh Hazzlewood and Adam Zampa with Mitch Marsh and Aston Ager possibly making the bowling unit. Starc and Hazzlewood have furious pace. Josh is very accurate and Starc bowls toe crashing Yorkers and swings across batsmen. Much of Bangladesh success would depend how Bangladesh top order handles the first few overs of the speedsters. The works of Soumya and Naim are well cut out. Bangladesh batsmen can neither blast them nor can afford getting bogged down. They must try to play with straight bat as much as possible showing no nerves. If Bangladesh can survive the first power play of 6 overs scoring about 40 losing at most 1 wicket they have a fair chance of consolidating the innings through Shakib and Mahmudullah batting at three and four. One or both must try to bat deep rotating the strikes and taking care of Zampa and Ager in the middle overs. If Shakib or Riad bats till the end they can guide young Sohan, Afif and Shamim putting up a competitive score of 160. But for that happening Bangladesh has to bat out of their skins playing each balls to its merit. It would not be possible blasting Australian attack. Playing with soft hands in the gap, rotating the strikes and punishing loose deliveries Bangladesh should score 150 at least if bat first. Once again mentioning that Shakib and Riad are the keys. If they bat longer youngsters batting fearlessly around them can put up a fighting score.
I am sure Bangladesh can fight and defend 160 on Dhaka wicket against this Australian batting wicket not much used to playing on low slow gripping wicket. But then again Mustafiz and Shakib are the keys. Hope Shoriful, Saifuddin and if Taijul are included delivers. Bangladesh has to field well, take all the catches.
A win by team tigers today would mean a lot. It is difficult but very much possible. If any of my Australian Cricketer friends see this report, I know I would not be a popular person at our suburban coffee shop.
Hope Bangladesh keeps their cool, execute their plan, play fearless aggressive cricket. They must have a never say die attitude. Win the toss and bat first should be the strategy if there is no possibility of rain interruption. But if there is cloud around batting first would be extremely risky against potent Australian attack. Remember Kangaroos have strong hind legs and a long tail. They do not die before death.
It will be my past mid night when the match ends. Still would watch every ball and write my report for Australian, Bangladesh and international media.
BSDT: 1406 HRS, AUG 3, 2021
SMS
