Bangladesh showcased their credentials in the 20 over game at the recent Asia Cup and that has built plenty of optimism and expectation ahead of their T20 World Cup campaign.
Form
The Tigers have been improving on the world stage in limited overs cricket for a while. They made the quarter finals of the 50 over World Cup last year and then came their run to the Asia Cup final in 20 over cricket.
They are now an extremely talented side with a competitive bowling attack and a deep batting line up that can take on most bowling attacks. When they appreciate game situations better like the best sides do this young side will be an even bigger force than they currently are.
Key men
Shakib-al-Hasan has been dubbed the best all-rounder in cricket in the past and while he perhaps isn’t in that sort of form currently he is still a big player because of the class he has with bat and ball. With the ball his left arm spin is accurate and potent and he bowls in important moments and as a finisher with the bat he’s very accomplished. The stage is set for him to go well in this tournament.
Al-Amin Hossain was the star of the Asia Cup as far as bowlers were concerned. He finished the competition as the top wicket taker which was no mean feat when you consider the quality of the bowlers on show in that tournament. He is one of a blossoming bunch of pace men in Bangladesh cricket right now but even with that talent pool the Tigers will need Hossain to go well again.
Fixtures
Wed March 9 – Group A: Bangladesh vs Netherlands (Dharamsala)
Fri March 11 – Group A: Bangladesh vs Ireland (Dharamsala)
Sun March 13 – Group A: Bangladesh vs Oman (Dharamsala)
Stats
Overall T20I record: P55 W18 L36 NR1
Last 10 results (most recent last): LWWLLLWWWL
Record vs group opponents:
Vs Ireland: P4 W3 L1
Vs Netherlands: P2 W1 L1
Vs Oman: Never met
Record batting first: P22 W7 L14 NR1
Record batting second: P33 W11 L22
Team bets
There are a number of batsmen in this Bangladesh side who are likely to go well in this tournament. Tamim Iqbal is back at the top of the order while Sabbir Rahman has been going very well in this format in recent times too. Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib-al-Hasan are still big names in this Bangladesh side as well but I think there could be value in one other player.
That player is Mahmudullah, a player who went exceptionally well when last on the big stage at the 50 over World Cup. He made centuries in the matches against England and New Zealand in conditions which never really suited Asian batsmen so that has to be a positive. We know he can perform on the very big stage.
His cameos in the Asia Cup should see a move up the order although even being down the order might not be so bad with Bangladesh extremely likely to play seven matches in this tournament at the very least. Mahmudullah’s last four scores in the Asia Cup were 36*, 23*, 22* and 33* and a continuation of that form will see him look overpriced at 8/1.
With the ball I’ve got to back Al-Amin Hossain to be the Top Bangladesh Bowler. He bowled really well in the Asia Cup and took some big named scalps with him. He was the top tournament wicket taker there taking 11 wickets, six more than any other Bangladeshi bowler and on that form he looks a good thing at 4/1.
Back Mahmudullah Top Bangladesh Tournament Batsman for a 1/10 stake at 9.00 with Ladbrokes
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Back A-A.Hossain Top Bangladesh Tournament Bowler for a 2/10 stake at 5.00 with NetBet
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