Confident Bangladesh eye encore as first West Indies T20I today

Author: Agencies

BASSETERRE: After a chastening defeat in the ODIs, West Indies would look to bounce back in the three-match T20I series, a format in which they are known to play with more flamboyance. Bangladesh would be at the other end of the confidence spectrum, having just won an ODI series away from home for the first time since 2009. West Indies have plenty of firepower to call upon. Despite the absence of Chris Gayle, who was rested, West Indies have Evin Lewis and Andre Fletcher in the top order, alongside Marlon Samuels, Carlos Brathwaite, an in-form Rovman Powell, and the returning Andre Russell, to bat through the 20 overs. Chadwick Walton and Denesh Ramdin can provide big hits of their own, too.The bowling attack, comprising Samuel Badree, Sheldon Cottrell, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul and Kesrick Williams would be further bolstered with the availability of Russell and Brathwaite. Although Cottrell’s patchy performance in the third ODI might concern them.

Bangladesh have plenty of batting experience in their ranks. Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah were among the runs in the ODI series. But that only underscores Bangladesh’s overdependence on the senior pros, especially given Sabbir Rahman and Mosaddek Hossain’s parched run in the ODIs. Liton Das, who sat out the ODIs, is likely to get some game-time, alongside allrounders Soumya Sarkar and Ariful Haque, who are also part of the T20I squad.Mustafizur Rahman will once again lead the bowling attack, with Rubel Hossain, Abu Hider and Abu Jayed for company in the pace department. Mehidy Hassan Miraz, who has been in good form, and left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam, considered a T20 specialist, could both be in contention for a place in the XI.

In the spotlight: Rovman Powell’s unbeaten 41-ball 74 in the third ODI came after a contrasting but decisive 44 in the previous game. In the T20Is, however, it will be his big-hitting ability, which will be required in the slog overs. Mahmudullah will be Bangladesh’s go-to batsman when it comes to slogging in the death overs. He possesses the unique ability of being able to hit cleanly from the outset in pressure situations.

Team news: With Chris Gayle rested, Andre Fletcher and Evin Lewis are expected to open. Rovman Powell’s big-hitting in the third ODI should be enough to win him a place in the XI as well. From the XI Bangladesh fielded against Afghanistan in June, Abu Hider is likely to make way for Mustafizur Rahman, while Ariful Haque could retain his place at No. 7, ahead of Sabbir Rahman. Soumya Sarkar and Liton Das are likely to bat in the top order with Tamim Iqbal.

Squads:

West Indies (probable): 1 Evin Lewis, 2 Andre Fletcher, 3 Marlon Samuels, 4 Denesh Ramdin, 5 Andre Russell, 6 Rovman Powell, 7 Carlos Brathwaite (capt), 8 Keemo Paul, 9 Ashley Nurse, 10 Samuel Badree, 11 Kesrick Williams

Bangladesh (probable): 1 Liton Das, 2 Tamim Iqbal, 3 Soumya Sarkar, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim, 5 Shakib Al Hasan (capt), 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Ariful Haque, 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Mustafizur Rahman, 10 Nazmul Islam, 11 Abu Jayed.

Published in Daily Times, August 1^st2018.