Confident Windies seek series win (Preview)

Just two matches into his captaincy, Mushfiqur Rahim has had enough feel of the challenges that lie ahead him. Two days after getting his captaincy career off to a winning start, Rahim experienced other side of the spectrum with Bangladesh beaten comfortably in the first ODI.

The defeat at Mirpur was again down to the inability of bowlers to limit opposition to a gettable score and batsmen impressed briefly only to fall behind the chase by a margin of 40 runs in the end.

Their opponents West Indies would be confident after Wednesday victory. For their big guns performed with the bat, bowlers put up a spirited and disciplined show and fielding effort would have impressed one and all.

The chief architects of the victory were opener Lendl Simmons and Marlon Samuels with former hitting his maiden ton and the latter starred with both bat and ball. Kieran Pollard did his reputation no harm muscling some strokes deep end of the innings to boost score out of Bangladesh’s progress. Bowling effort was very thought out with Samuels, Ravi Rampaul and Andre Russell emerging as the star performers. Denesh Ramdin as a stand-in skipper-taking the reins after regular captain Darren Sammy was ruled out of the game due to illness- was proactive and brought about bowling changes at crucial junctures to make life difficult for Bangladesh batsmen.

The hosts’ performance was more a scrappy one than flourishing. Bowlers offered too much width and leverage for Simmons and co. to get big shots away. And, batsmen looked confused chasing a target of 299 taking time to get off the blocks leading to asking rate getting out of their reach.

On the same venue with spin assisting pitch, Bangladesh have a chance to redeem themselves. For that to happen, they need to get their basics right. Mohammad Ashraful needs to contribute if he wants to be part of the side in future assignment. Tamim Iqbal has to cut down on high risk strokes and rest of the pack should put a price on their wickets as well. Former captain Shaqibul Hassan did fight with the bat but his bowling on the turning pitches as crucial as his batting. Bowlers-fast men in particular- will have to find ways to give their side early breakthroughs. Lead left arm spinner Abdur Razzak is due for a good show with the ball. The onus, yet again, on will be on the spin department to help their side get back to the winning ways.

For the visitors Sammy getting fit would mean one of the faster bowlers will have to be dispensed with. In all likelihood, Kemar Roach might have to sit out. Adrian Barath didn’t come back to the field after retiring hurt due to cramps, and, if batsman doesn’t recover in time Sammy might slot in his place.

All team management would want top order fire again to provide platform for likes of Pollard and Russell to give innings late push. And, bowlers would be asked to keep the intensity going that was evident in the first game.

Confident West Indies would be keen to wrap up the series Saturday evening only. The hosts, on their part, would be feeling all the finch to perform. For them to draw the series, an all-round show will be the need of the hour.

Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (capt & wk), Mahmudullah (vc), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mohammad Ashraful, Shakib Al Hasan, Alok Kapali, Shuvagata Tom, Abdur Razzak, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Nazmul Hossain, Suhawardi Shuvo, Naeem Islam

West Indies: Darren Sammy (capt), Adrian Barath, Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Danza Hyatt, Anthony Martin, Kieron Pollard, Kieran Powell, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons