Today could be one of the toughest tests for Bangladesh. Like South Africa, the Netherlands is a team with no visible weakness. They have already won a match against Mumbai. That’s why they are ahead from every angle. They lost to the Netherlands, but there’s no opportunity to underestimate their cricketing capability.
Bangladesh’s chances in this match are very slim. Nevertheless, if an unexpected result comes against a team like the Netherlands, it will be a renaissance for Bangladesh in the World Cup. It is a huge opportunity to boost self-confidence and self-belief. The gains from this match will be crucial for Bangladesh’s prospects in the next four matches.
I have heard that Shakib Al Hasan’s return to the team is expected for this match. If that’s the case, Bangladesh can aim for the desired balance. Bangladesh will want to play with six bowlers, which is possible if Shakib is in the lineup. We have seen that without Shakib, five bowlers have played against India. It was not enough. As far as bowling is concerned, the unavailability of Taskin for today’s match could be better.
Hassan Mahmud may play in Taskin’s place in the last match. Liton and Tanjid’s opening partnership has been impressive. I hope to see a repeat of that performance in today’s game. Hopefully, the middle-order batsmen will step up. Going with fewer wickets in the middle overs will be an excellent gain.
The opening partnership should have faith in the leading batsmen; I want to see that in this match. Batters who are comfortable where they play need to be utilized. If Miraz bats in the lower order, it will enhance the batting balance of the team. So, I want to avoid seeing any batting experiments. I want to see stability.
In terms of bowling, keep faith in the main bowlers. Let them play where they are comfortable. Miraz, if he bats in the lower order, it will improve the batting balance of the team. So, I want to see the batting lineup remain the same. I want to see stability.
