ABDULLAH AL MEHDI

The T20 World Cup in UAE last year demonstrated that whatever the Bangladesh think-tank had planned going into the mega-event did not bear fruit or lacked in execution, culminating in the debacle.

Coming into the T20I series against Afghanistan, Bangladesh’s focus turns to a lack of runs in the Powerplay. The batting unit as a whole must have showing aggression at the top of their list of priorities. There will also be focus on their choice of openers for the first T20I today as that could go a long way to delivering a message regarding the approach the team management needs in the format.

There was quite a bit of grass on the wicket at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, which should provide something to pacers. Asked about his expectations of the wicket, skipper Mahmudullah Riyad seemed certain it would provide something for both batters and bowlers.

“I think it will be a good wicket and sporting wicket. The grass will help the bowlers and the batters as well. I think if you can spend some time at the crease, batters can have a good time here,” Mahmudullah dictated. However, time spent at the crease will have to be paid for with runs, especially if Bangladesh are to make hay with a long batting line-up.

Afghanistan not only have world-class spinners, but also batters adept at playing their shots from very early on in the innings. An ODI mindset will not suffice. Bangladesh’s average score in the Powerplay at the World Cup was 32.12 and, barring the games against Papua New Guinea and Sri Lanka, they lost at least two wickets in the Powerplay. The scores did not improve in the series that followed against Pakistan at home as the Tigers lost 3-0.

Mahmudullah was looking to get out of that Powerplay rut.

“Hopefully, we will be able to get out of it. With our team combination, we’re good enough to make 40 to 45 runs in Powerplay. If we can do it, we’re on the right track. We’re discussing these things and working things out. Hopefully we will find a way,” Riyad said, knowing the need for a new avenue.

One such option may well be on the way in the form of Munim Shahriar, selected on the basis of Powerplay displays in the recently-concluded BPL. He smashed the deliveries in the nets yesterday. “Munim has a good chance tomorrow but I can’t say exactly because I saw the wicket today,” Riyad said.

On the other end of the spectrum is Mohammad Naim. Despite being the top-scorer in T20Is last year, his position has come into question due to a lack of aggression and middling strike-rate.

“If you don’t bat with intent in T20 cricket, you find yourself in a shell. Once you are in that shell, it’s hard to get out. Whoever bats, whether at top-order or middle-order, has to remember the importance o batting with intent based on one’s strength,” Mahmudullah said of their approach. But in the choice between Munim and Naim, they will go a long way to sending a message about their modus operandi in T20Is going forward.