DHAKA: The third and final ODI of the evenly fought three matches series between one of three musketeers of ICC England and impressive Bangladesh is delicately poised.
The visitors won a keenly contested first ODI last Friday at SBNCS, the hosts bounced back brilliantly in the second on Sunday at the same venue squaring the series.
Now the series deciding third match may witness mouthwatering contest.
Bangladesh winning will achieve the seventh straight series win. Bangladesh has won four of the last six ODI against England in head to head contest. There is no reason why Bangladesh cannot win the series from here as on players to players to players comparison Bangladesh has its nose in front. If they play their A game can win easy.
Hope tigers will learn from exemplary commitment of their leader unparalleled Mashrafee in the second ODI. Chittagong is also a happy hunting ground for Bengal tigers.
Viewed in retrospect Bangladesh was well on the way of earning a brilliant win in the first ODI chasing a huge target of 310. If Bangladesh could take their chances the target could not go beyond 250. If senior players Mahmudullah and Mushfique could restrain themselves and Shakib could carry on a little longer the victory was well within grasp.
Bangladesh made a crucial change in their line up bringing back proven performer all-rounder Nasir Hossain. On a difficult wicket uneven bounce Mahmudullah and Mashrafe inspired Bangladesh put up a defendable 238. Ever reliable Nasir and Young Turk Mosaddek also made useful contributions.
With the ball Mashrafe fired with his youthful vigor. His crafty seam and swing struck English batting deadly blows. Taskin bowled with pace and bounce. England capitulated. Deservedly Bangladesh won handsome.
The keenly contested lost festivity for ugly incidents of sledging which was more than gamesmanship. But Match referees verdict punishing Mashrafe and Shabbir and letting another offender Buttler with light punishment surprised many.
We hope the intense rivalry in the series will not witness any further ugly incident. England must realize that Bangladesh can see eye to eye with the best of the best these days. Red eyes are responded with red eyes.
Bangladesh is expected to retain the winning combination while England may consider strengthening their batting a little. Chittagong wicket may assist spinners. Bangladesh in Shakib, Mahmudullah, Nasir and Musaddek have plenty.
Would suggest reviewing the batting order of Bangladesh. This English bowling unit is basically pace bowling dependent. Spinners Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid are not extraordinary. Shabbir against such attack would rather bat at number 6 after Mahmudullah, Mushfique and Shakib. He can play a punishing innings of 40-50 in quick time. Number three needs solid technique and experience where Mahmudullah is a better choice. Shabbir, Nasir, Musaddeq along with Mashrafee can bat opponent out of the game.
Taskin should be tried a few overs upfront when the ball is hard and new to hurry the batsmen. Bangladesh must excel in all three departments and play aggressive but smart cricket. I find no reason why Bangladesh cannot win and win easy. But since it is a game of glorious uncertainty nothing must be taken for guaranteed.
BDST: 2112 HRS, OCT 11, 2016
RR
