BCB selection committee has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three matches ODI series against strong Afghanistan. All three matches would be played at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram on 23rd, 25th and 28th February.
There have been 4 changes, which the selectors mentioned was necessitated considering the recent form and fitness of the players and in consideration of the quality of the opposition.
Rubel, Mosaddeq, Taijul and Naim have been replaced with Ebadat, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Nasum Ahmed. The series is a part of ICC ODI Championship. Both teams would be desperate for winning the series and earning valuable points. Afghanistan unlike Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa is better equipped with quality spinners better suited for slow low turning tracks in Chattogram.
Mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, top quality leg spinner Rashid Khan and couple of other quality emerging spinners would present significant challenges. Bangladesh performance in international cricket in all formats unfortunately was not great. On the other hand, Afghanistan continues to impress in all formats. Their players have impressed in KFC Big Bash, PSL and other franchise cricket, played well in ICC T20 Championship and even in ICC Under 19 championships.
Let us try to analye Bangladesh squad.
Squad: Tamim Iqbal (c), Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmud Ullah, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Mahmudul Hasan Joy.
The team fortunately would have four of the five top players of the recent past Tamim, Shakib, Mushfique and Mahmudullah who made major contributions in the growth of Bangladesh as a competitive ODI unit. All four appeared to be in great form in BPL 2022. Add to that Liton K Das, Mustafizur Rahman and Mehedy Hasan Miraj.
There should be no excuse why Bangladesh should not create strong contest against Afghanistan in home condition. We are not sure about fitness of Taskin as he was rested for nursing his injury in BPL. Otherwise, I find it all right picking Taskin, Shoriful and inform Ebadat as pace bowling options. Few talked about Mreetunjoy and Rubel. I would rather suggest to include both in T20 squad. Few questions have been raised about inclusion of Nazmul Hossain Shanto. If he plays he would bat in the top order. There were some suggestions for considering Munim Shahriar. Our opinion is that Munim should rather be tried in T20 series. The other question is choosing Afif and ignoring Mosaddeq Hossain. It was a 50:50 case. Sad that Saifuddin is not yet match fit.
Having watched matches of BPL 2022 we cannot compare it with other franchise in matters of quality of players and playing surfaces. Still, it was encouraging that Tamim appeared in prime form. Shakib looked imperious. Mahmudullah lived up to his reputation. Only Mushfique looked little rusty.
Liton impressed with his performance. Among the bowlers Mustafiz, Shaib and Miraj performed admirably. Ebadat and Shoriful improved with every match. Inclusion of Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Yasir Rabbi can be appreciated. Nasum Ahmed would also add variety to Bangladesh attack. With few exceptions we think horses are there for the courses. But still for winning the series Bangladesh has to improve in all three departments batting, bowling and fielding. Afghanistan is not an easy team to beat now.
BDST: 1307 HRS, FEB 16, 2022
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