After a one-sided start to the Asia Cup 2023 campaign in which Pakistan destroyed Nepal, supporters were looking for an exciting match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. While the match was not as lopsided as the previous one, Bangladesh’s indisciplined batting allowed Sri Lanka to win with relative ease, except for a hiccup at the start and at the end.
Choosing to bat first at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, the Tigers struggled to 164, thanks largely to Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 89-run performance off 122 balls. Matheesha Pathirana shone with the bat, finishing with 4/32 in 7.4 overs.
Asia Cup 2023:
In response, Sri Lanka lost three wickets for 43 runs before a 78-run partnership between Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka stabilised the batting. The hosts were 121/3 when they lost two wickets for seven runs. Finally, Asalanka and captain Dasun Shanaka assisted Sri Lanka in reaching the target with 11 overs and five wickets remaining.
Bangladesh must win their encounter against Afghanistan on Sunday, September 3, to remain in the competition. If they lose, they will be forced to withdraw from the Asia Cup 2023, rendering the final group game between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan meaningless. Let’s look at three modifications Bangladesh can make to ensure victory in the do-or-die game.
Changes for Bangladesh’s comeback:
3. Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim:
On his debut, Tanzid Hasan opened the innings and was out for a duck against Sri Lanka. Under these conditions, Bangladesh would require experienced players to step up. In the same vein, Afif Hossain can replace Tanzid, while Najmul Hossain Shanto can start alongside Mohammad Naim.
This would allow Shakib Al Hasan to bat at No. 3, where he has the highest average of any batting position (49.64). Cricket fans will recall how impressively the all-rounder hit at No. 3 during the 2019 World Cup. He scored 606 runs in eight games, averaging 86.57. Batting at No. 3 will allow the Southpaw to take control of the game and relieve pressure on the younger batters further down the order.
Mushfiqur Rahim has a chance to move up to No. 4. Shakib and Mushfiqur have produced many memorable partnerships for Bangladesh over the years, and if they bat at consecutive numbers, the Tigers might do well. Towhid Hridoy, who is in good form, can bat at No. 5, with Afif and Mehidy Hasan Miraz following.
2. Replace Nasum Ahmed & Mahedi Hasan:
The left-arm spinner is a skilled bowler who can change his pace and angles to confuse hitters. He has mostly played T20I cricket for Bangladesh and performed admirably. Nasum has 34 wickets in 35 matches, at an average of 23.15 and an economy of 7.32.
Nasum has appeared in seven One-Day Internationals (ODIs). He has taken eight wickets and allowed only 3.74 runs per over. The 28-year-old can be brought into the side to add more variety to Mahedi Hasan’s bowling. Afghanistan has a lot of right-handers, so the left-arm spinner’s ability to turn the ball away from them could be useful. Mahedi contributes hitting ability but isn’t a frontline spinner.
Bangladesh welcomed Afghanistan for a white-ball series last year. Nasum bowled with the new ball in the opening T20I and claimed four wickets inside the Powerplay. Given his recent record against the Afghans, Shakib may be persuaded to call up the 28-year-old. Nasum can be employed against the right-handed opening pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz with the new ball.
1. Give Mustafizur Rahman the new ball:
While Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam are also talented, Mustafizur Rahman is Bangladesh’s top bowler. He is also the Asian team’s most seasoned campaigner. The left-arm seamer was brought in as the second change bowler in the previous game, with Taskin, Shoriful, and Shakib bowling ahead of him.
Mustafizur bowled the ninth over before being relieved by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The 27-year-old returned to bowl a few overs and concluded with figures of 0/12 in three overs. Mustafizur, who has played 190 international matches across three formats, must be the spearhead of this offence, and Shakib must utilise him properly.
If the Satkhira-born can regain his confidence and rhythm, Bangladesh will take on a new face. He’ll also be important if the game goes to the death overs. He has bowling experience in franchise leagues all over the world, which could help him and his club.
So, this was all the latest highlights of Asia Cup 2023. Also read, Top IND v/s Pak most controversial moments in history.
