True the momentum is with Bengal Tigers after winning two matches -- the series defining test match at P Sara stadium, Colombo and the first of the three matches ODI series at Rangiri, Dambulla.
Winning the ODI series after straight win on Tuesday (March 28) at the same venue and even earning series whitewash by tigers is possible but achieving that will not be as easy as being thought now. Bangladesh has to plan well and execute. The present Sri Lanka, though lack experience, are not a mere pushover. They, definitely, have quality and character of bouncing back strongly. Bangladesh has five players -- Mashrafe, Shakib, Tamim, Mushfique and Mahmudullah -- who have world of experience and all are on song now. They have high quality youngsters in Soumya, Sabbir, Mosaddek, Taskin and Miraz who have just started settling well with their vastly experienced top quality seniors. If Bangladesh play to potential, there is no reason why they must not keep winning. The entire Bangladeshi nation, irrespective of age, gender, religion, cast and creed and political belief, stands firmly beside and behind Bengal Tigers in the thick and thin.
Definitely, the home side will hate to lose the series at home and won’t enjoy the series whitewash in their own backyard, they will critically analyze their faults and development of 1st ODI. Obviously, they will set appropriate strategy against each player addressing their strength and weaknesses. Bangladesh must not remain static. They must also dynamically adjust strategy not remaining predictable. We have seen interviews of two early birds of Bangladesh Cricket -- Nazmoon Noor Robin and Yusuf Rahman Babu -- now living in the USA. We strongly believe that the playing squad of match one is definitely the best with resources we readily have about this condition. Team must have faith in them. Tamim and Soumya are right choice for opening the batting. Few would argue for Kayes. But early aggression of Soumya gives breathing time for otherwise flamboyant Tamim to settle to his own song. Of course, Soumya requires exercising some discretion. Opposition must not find him predictable as cricket is more of a mental game now.
Though Sabbir is a success now at number three we think he will be better suited at number six for attacking tired out bowing. After fall of early wickets Mahmudullah with better all-round technique would deliver better. Shakib and Mushfique may be slotted at four and five. Mosaddek is batsman with solid technique. I am sure, in years’ time, he will be ideal replacement of Mahmudullah and Mushfique and so will be Mehedi Miraz taking over the role of main all-rounder from Shakib in due course.
Charismatic Mashrafe still breaths fire. Whatever he does with ball, bat and while fielding remains example for his mates. Mashrafe has so many choices at his disposal now to set his batting order to suit circumstances. But one thing for sure, Bangladesh would require one of the top four playing long innings like Tamim ideally did in the first ODI match and two other major partnership for near 300 score every match. Bangladesh now have quality all-round bowling attack to defend any score of near 300 against any team on any surface. Moreover, the fielding looks sharper with captain courageous Mashrafe setting the tone.
Character of Dambulla wicket may not change much for another day/night match on Tuesday. We do not think the winning combination needs any change unless the wicket has turns. Batting order may need adjusting to suit circumstances. The fact that Mosaddek is selling well in the late middle order and Miraz gives depth Bangladesh may not need Sohan for the time being. If Bangladesh seal the series winning second match, they may include Sunzamul in place of Taskin for Colombo match.
We are again saying series win and even achieving series whitewash is a possibility but cannot be earned so easily. Bangladesh has to continue playing well in all three departments batting, bowling and off course fielding.
BDST: 0856 HRS, MAR 27, 2017
SR
