ZCZC
BSP-22
CRICKET-RAJKOT-PITCH
Tigers not fazed by Rajkot pitch
Rajkot, Nov 6, 2019 (BSS) – Bangladesh played on a surface in Delhi that was patently more suited to their strengths than to those of Indian stroke-makers.
Capitalizing the slow-pitch to full effect, they beat India by seven wickets but Rajkot is unlikely to produce anything like the slow burner, and a rain-affected T20I could further alter the dynamics.
But Bangladesh are complete unfazed by it. They have just beaten India for the first time in the format, and they have done it without Shakib Al Hasan, without Tamim Iqbal, and for the first time in their history, without even a left-arm spinner in the XI.
Normally Bangladesh always tinker with their winning combination and they hinted it would be the case in Rajkot too as they are unlikely to bring any change. But at the same time, Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah said that they won’t hesitate to bring changes if they feel they need someone to suit this wicket. This was a changed attitude also from this side.
”Depends on the conditions. If there is something then change may come to the winning combination. Let us see,” Mahmudullah said.
Mahmudullah said that since they have won the opening game, they are having an edge but added that they are not keen to take anything for granted.
”What I said earlier, since we won the first match, it will give us an extra confidence for all of us. We are not sitting idle, we are all desperately waiting for tomorrow’s match. Everybody is working hard and giving their best effort in practice. We are all trying so that we can give our collective team effort to get the expected result tomorrow,” said Mahmudullah.
”See we can somewhat sense that they are looking to come back strongly. I feel that in T20s, if you can assess the wicket properly and the length and accordingly place your field and then you have a chance to do well. T20 is such that it’s important to make the right decision at the right time and if you think about it, you may have a game plan but you have to change it and so adaptability is crucial,” he said.
BSS/SMP/SMM/1825 hrs