The fact that the top order Bangladeshi batsmen are in for a rough ride during the initial overs of their matches in Ireland is inevitable as the moving deliveries on those green top wickets especially against the tall fast opening bowler would be a daunting task to say the least, reports BSS.
Former national opening batsman Ishtiaque Ahmad talks to BSS on Tuesday gave his opinion what should Tigers follow in the remaining Tri-series matches. Even the Kiwis felt the pressure against the Irish speedster although the top order batsmen were able to bounce back from a nervous start and won the match finally. The tomorrow’s match against New Zealand is expected to be a keenly contested one as the two teams have met quite a few times over the last few years and it was a complete whitewash. But all depends on the typical English-Irish weather.
But when Bangladesh toured New Zealand early this year and lost out on all occasions in closely fought matches that allowed the Kiwis to take revenge over their defeats of 4-0 and 5-0 during their previous visits to Bangladesh.
With Mashrafe Mortaza back as captain for the remaining part of the series which would be interesting to see the final formation of the side as Bangladesh could end up playing four fast bowlers given the nature and condition of the wicket.
A toss-up between the young guns Mosaddek Hossain and Mehedi Miraz may see Miraz getting the final nod because of his off spinners getting preference.
It’s indeed heartening to see how Tamim Iqbal has gradually transformed himself in to a batsman of high pedigree and substance and with him having the ability to play long and reliable innings is the only other batsman Mushfiqur Rahim who can be counted upon.
Mahmudullah Riyadh’s comeback to form augurs well for his side and youngsters like Soumya Sarkar and Sabbir Rahman ought to weigh in with their contributions given the opportunity and importance that they’ve been given.
It would be a fallacy to expect these batsmen to curb their natural instincts but putting a price on their wicket would not only make the opposition bowlers toil hard but would give their team a very bright chance of piling up quick runs on the board as well.
As there isn’t much to choose from amongst the spinners in Shakib Al Hasan and Mehdi Hossain Miraj it would be from amongst the speedsters who could end up making the difference.
While Taskin would be chancing his arms at short rising deliveries, Rubel Hossain with his fast and accurate Yorkers and Mashrafe Mortaza with his controlled bowling are capable of leading batsmen in to indiscretion.
It is actually wonder boy Mustafizur who would be expected to create wicket taking opportunities with his versatility especially his variations which of late has seen a little lacking in its effectiveness.
A great opportunity to enhance their status as a one day side and go up in rankings Mashrafe Mortaza and his men would be hell bent to ensure that they have arrived on the big stage.
