ZCZC
BSP-05
CRICKET-BD-WI-PREVIEW
Bangladesh takes on West Indies in a must-win WC game
DHAKA, June 16, 2019 (BSS)-Emboldened by their recent record, Bangladesh
will take on West Indies in a World Cup match at Taunton on Monday that
turned out to be a must-win game for them in a bid to stay alive in the
semifinal race.
The match starts at 3.30 PM (Bangladesh Standard Time).
It will be Bangladesh’s fifth game in the cricket’s biggest extravaganza
after they accumulated three points from four games. Having kick-started the
tournament in impressive fashion with a 21-run victory over South Africa,
Bangladesh suffered two bitter defeats-against New Zealand by two wickets and
against England by 106 runs before their game against Sri Lanka was washed
out without a ball being bowled due to heavy rain.
Like Bangladesh West Indies also have three points in four games after
winning one, losing two and a washed-out game.
West Indies are the side against whom they would be confident because of
their recent result-they have beaten West Indies three straight times in
quite dominating fashion including the final in the recent tri-series in
Ireland to become an unbeaten champions.
But the West Indies side that they faced off in tri-series is a vastly
different side with the inclusion of their premier players like Chris Gayle,
Andre Russell and others.
Nonetheless Bangladesh will be confident since they even beat a full-
strength West Indies side in quite several times.
Both teams met each other in ODI cricket for 37 times, amongst which West
Indies won 21 and Bangladesh 14, while two other matches were rained out. In
World Cup, They took on each other four times and West Indies won three
matches while the other match was washed out.
Therefore it’s the match also for Bangladesh to set their World Cup record
right.
What however remains the talking point was to how West Indies, a side full
of big hitters, would capitalize on the Taunton’s ground, which is shortest
ground in England and how Bangladesh batsmen would deal with West Indies fast
bowlers 90 mile per hour bouncer.
The likes of Andre Russell, Chris Gayle though have the ability to clear
the boundaries even in the largest ground of the World with utmost ease, the
shorter boundary means even their miss hit which could be a catch in larger
ground would be six in shorter square boundaries.
“Because of the size of this ground, we might have to re-think some of our
attacks, plans and strategies. It is a much smaller ground, so we have to
ensure we are more spot-on and consistent, and try to create the pressure,”
said Bangladesh fast bowling coach Courtney Walsh who also added that
Mustafizur Rahman with new ball would have to give early breakthrough to keep
Caribbean batsmen at bay.
Bangladesh’s batsmen’s vulnerability against well directed short balls
widely exposed during the match against New Zealand and England.
While Bangladesh dealt with the short balls better in the ODI series that
followed as well as last month in Ireland, the pitches were far slower than
what is expected in Taunton.
Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal said they are ready to deal with Caribbean
bowlers’ bouncer and play fire with fire. What gave Tamim confidence was
their familiarity to handle the short balls of West Indian pacers.
“We normally try to simulate in the nets what our opponents are likely to
do,” Tamim said. “They usually target us with the short ball but they do the
same against all sides in the first ten to 15 overs. They also give run-
scoring opportunities. We have to prepare for both, that’s why we are working
hard in practice. We want to make sure it is not a surprise for us.
“The first three bowling attacks I played against in this World Cup [South
Africa, New Zealand and England], all were more or less equal,” he said.
“West Indies have pace, three bowlers who bowl above 140. The good thing is
we have played all three in the last year-and-a-half.”
Shakib Al Hasan who sustained a thigh injury during the game against
England was declared fit to play but Mushfiqur Rahim’s wrist injury during
the practice session on Saturday came as blow.
The small size of the Taunton meant Bangladesh could be tempted to bring
up fast bowler Rubel Hossain, replacing Mehidy Hasan Miraj and if Mushfiqur
finally doesn’t play, Liton Das will be automatic choice. But Tamim Iqbal
said, Mushfiqur thought was taken for an X-ray his injury didn’t look serious
that could rule him out from the match.
BSS/SMP/FI/ 1240 hrs