Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a contest!
After a Test series that Bangladesh would like to believe never happened, they displayed just how much better they are in the ODI format. A comfortable 48-run win in the 1st ODI is a big confidence boost for the nation, after suffering from a disappointing 2018 so far.
West Indies proved they are really far from the completed package in ODIs. After a very nervy World Cup Qualifying campaign in Zimbabwe earlier this year, West Indies now need to set their sights on being competitive at next year’s World Cup. Their performance in the first ODI would not have instilled much confidence in their supporters, but with Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard considered possibilities for next year’s tournament, the players in the current side need to step up their game. That could be a big motivator for the rest of this series, at least.
For Bangladesh, Sunday was a welcome change from what has been a horrendous tour to date. Conditions in Guyana suit them, with the pitch playing quite slow, and their senior players stepped up to the task. Of course, there remains the concern that Bangladesh can’t quite nail the pace of their innings as they wish, given Tamim and Shakib’s inability at times to properly accelerate the scoring rate with wickets in hand. However, much will depend on them, as well as the bowlers, to wrap up the series.
Key to a West Indies win
On Sunday, the hosts lacked penetration with the ball and dropped catches as if the ball was a hotplate. That they let Bangladesh reach 279 would have been a disappointment to them, after working hard in the middle overs to keep the scoring rate down.
Middle over wickets and better death bowling could see a completely different result in the 2nd ODI, especially given Bangladesh’s dependence on Tamim and Shakib for runs. In the Tri-Series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in January, Tamim and Shakib contributed 44,57% of Bangladesh’s runs, which has to highlight a potential opportunity for West Indies. Get these two out early, and the game opens up.
Also, West Indies were very poor in rotating the strike in the 1st ODI. This Bangladesh team thrives on dot balls in the ODI format, and if West Indies rely too much on boundaries again, it paves the way for Bangladesh’s bowlers to continue getting into the wickets.
Key to a Bangladesh win
Bangladesh also have a similar problem to the West Indies in the sense that they too can rotate the strike better.
Tamim batted for 160 balls on Sunday, yet finished with 130. Shakib batted for 121 balls and finished with 97. Yes, batting conditions are a little slow, but rotation of the strike is vital. Had it not been for Mushfiqur Rahim’s brilliant launch at the end, Bangladesh may have struggled to reach 250 on a day where they had a 200+ run partnership. Of course, Tamim and Shakib remain key to Bangladesh’s chances, as always.
Also, I was really impressed with Bangladesh’s bowling. It still remains to be seen whether they can find the penetration required to be successful in English conditions at the World Cup, but their ability to keep the pressure on was encouraging. The inclusion of Mashrafe Mortaza in the side is such a huge bonus for Bangladesh, and he was supported well by the likes of Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. More of the same is needed in the 2nd ODI.
Possible teams
Kieran Powell and Keemo Paul could get a look in for West Indies, but there is a good chance they will give the same team a chance to redeem themselves. More is needed from the likes of Chris Gayle and Andre Russell, who can be damaging.
West Indies possible XI: 1. Chris Gayle, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Shai Hope (wk), 4. Jason Mohammed, 5. Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Jason Holder (c), 7. Rovman Powell, 8. Andre Russell, 9. Devendra Bishoo, 10. Ashley Nurse, 11. Alzarri Joseph
For Bangladesh, Liton Das could come in for Anamul Haque. A person in their sleep has more footwork than Anamul, and I just don’t know if he can get in the runs in the 2nd ODI. However, he does possess a
decent record against West Indies.
Bangladesh possible XI: 1. Tamim Iqbal, 2. Anamul Haque/Liton Das, 3. Shakib Al Hasan, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5. Mahmudullah, 6. Sabbir Rahman, 7. Mossadek Hossain, 8. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9. Mashrafe Mortaza, 10. Mustafizur Rahman, 11. Rubel Hossain
Stats and Facts
- If Bangladesh win this game, it will be their third ever series win over West Indies. They won 3-0 in 2009 and 3-2 in 2012.
- Tamim Iqbal became the first Bangladesh player to register 10 ODI centuries.
- Mashrafe Mortaza took at least four wickets for the eighth time in ODIs. He joined Rubel Hossain and Shakib Al Hasan who also have achieved this on eight occasions. Abdur Razzak is the leader, achieving this nine times.
Prediction
There is a forecast of rain, which I hope doesn’t ruin the match. My head says West Indies will bounce back, but my heart says Bangladesh will win the series in the 2nd ODI. I think I’m leaning towards my heart on this one…
Should be a competitive match, provided rain doesn’t intervene too much.
