As their unbeaten home record in bilateral ODI series came under serious danger following a three-wicket loss to England in the first game, Bangladesh pledged to make a strong comeback in the three-match series.
They have the opportunity to tie the series in the second game, which will also take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Complex tomorrow (Friday), before moving on to Chattogram for the game that will decide the series. The game begins at noon.
The Tigers’ situation is dire considering their most recent series loss occurred against the same opponent back in 2016. Since then, they have claimed seven straight ODI home series.
It is a significant setback that England defeated them in Mirpur, which has served as their stronghold since 2015. It was crucial to seal the deal by winning the first two games because Chattogram would offer a flat deck, which would play to England’s power. But even if they draw the series even, there will be significant doubts about their ability to continue winning the series at home.
In reality, Bangladesh’s track record of recovering from a first-match defeat to win a series is not promising.
In almost eight years, Bangladesh last defeated South Africa in an international ODI series after dropping the opening game.
However, England’s strategy in the opening encounter has been outstanding. England performed differently on a field where teams like India and Sri Lanka struggle. Obviously, Dawid Malan’s six-year streak of Dhaka League and BPL participation and success aided, but England’s bowlers also contributed well.
They never allowed Bangladesh to form a team, in contrast to the other rivals. And they reaped the benefits by bowling the hosts out for only 209 when a winning total in Mirpur is at least 230. The team was then led to success by Malan, who finished the tense chase with 114 not out.
