DHAKA: Bangladesh has already won the ongoing three-match ODI series against India winning the first two comprehensively. Whatever happens in the third match on Wednesday, the outcome of the series is done and dusted. The only interest left is whether Bangladesh can achieve the third consecutive ODI series white wash.
Bangladesh has already won the last 10 ODI matches at home against three different oppositions over the last eight months and has won all comprehensively. For India, it is a match of redeeming self-belief and salvaging some pride. For a team ranked two just behind leader Australia it is a huge reverse. If India cannot win the last ODI they have to leave Bangladesh without any win.
The state where the two teams stand now, there is a great possibility of Bangladesh repeating their excellent performances of the first two matches. But the creation of a low pressure in the Bay of Bengal is threatening rain interference. Rain also interrupted the first two matches. But with the provision of a reserve day the match may see its full quota. Bangladesh is playing fearless aggressive brand of cricket, the intensity of which India could not anticipate.
The meteoric emergence of a teenager from the remote village of Satkhira has not only surprised India but also has created a sensation in the cricket world. South Africa and Australia, the next two visitors to Bangladesh must have started preparing plans to confront this wonder kid. He is a real revelation in the first two matches. Mustafiz has wise head on young shoulders. It was really astonishing to see how quickly he changes plan of his bowling. His off-cutter is not only his lethal wicket taking option. He got few wickets bowling seam up. We are not sure whether great Wasim Akram could do it at such a young age. Indian batsmen definitely had made some plans of playing him in the second ODI. But the teenager unleashed more varieties and completely mesmerized the shell shocked Indian batsmen.
One of my favorite sport writers Farhad Tito, now living in Montreal opened a discussion on social media about resting Mustafiz without really meaning it. Mustafiz has an opportunity to rewrite few pages of cricket history. Another five wicket haul will make it three in three in the first three ODI. Even three more wickets will earn him a new world record for maximum number of wickets (14) in the first three ODI. With the fate of the series already decided why not the teenager be allowed to create some more landmarks? I am sure Tito more than any one will be delighted if that happens.
Another youngster Taskin Ahmed has not made his mark on the series. Who knows it may be coming tomorrow (Wednesday). He was a big success against India last year. He grabbed 5 wickets also in his very first ODI. Taskin was one the premiere Bangladesh bowlers in the ICC world cup. May be tomorrow will be his day.
Rubel was looking good in the last ODI when he started reversing. He has just returned from injury and can only improve. There is one person Mashrafe who can always get into the act of getting wickets. Shakib is also three wickets away from getting 200 ODI wickets. Bangladesh does not necessarily need to change the winning bowling combination as Nasir as a filler also bowled effectively.
Bangladesh will bat more freely in the 3rd ODI as the series is already won. Tamim is expected to produce another flamboyant Innings. Soumya is looking better and better. Liton has overcome the nerves of beginners. Mushfiqur rediscovered his magical touch. Shakib played two of his matured innings in the first two ODI. Sabbir and Nasir are there to deliver as and when asked for. Bangladesh is really in illuminating form.
No one can write off India’s chances. They still are a very formidable unit. The strong batting line up if clicks can still bat Bangladesh out of the game. But the way they batted in the two ODIs appeared that they did not expect such a quality bowling attack coming from Bangladesh. They did not anticipate a very aggressive strategy of Mashrafe squad. Perhaps dropping Rahane in the second match and dropping Yadav was not appropriate. Rahane batted with confidence in Australia against the pace battery. Rayadu, Axar Patel and Kulkarni did very little to justify their preference over the players they replaced. Dhoni should been more patient with his charge. He also reacted in post-match press briefing being confronted by a critic of his strategy.
Banglawash:
Banglawash will be sweet. But, no worry if that does not happen. Bangladesh wash will be advanced Eid gift for the nation by Ferocious fearless tigers.
BDST: 1204 HRS, JUN 23, 2015
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** What cricket achievements mean to Bangladesh?
