Bangladesh have failed to win a game in the last three editions of the World T20. Now as the hosts, this is their best chance yet to reverse that hoodoo in conditions that suit them best
Mohammad Isam15-Mar-2014OverviewThe nuances of T20 cricket have eluded Bangladesh, and that is reflected in their 10-match losing streak in the World T20 since 2007. Expectations, quite naturally, would remain modest, but Bangladesh should take maximum advantage of being the host nation.The known conditions in Dhaka and Chittagong, the mad support that this team possesses and the growing reputation of being a good team at home are positive factors. But they have to deal with a tricky format. Due to the new design of the World T20s, they will have to play the qualifying round against Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Nepal. On paper, Bangladesh are far ahead in terms of experience but they had slipped up against Afghanistan earlier this month in the Asia Cup, and their encounter, on the opening day, could be the group decider.The players have readily admitted their limitations in this format, particularly in the last 12 months when they have won just a single T20, against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Their most recent T20s were against Sri Lanka in Chittagong in February, where they lost both games off the last ball.The team management and selectors have tried a few different personnel and plans in the T20s but it is quite similar to how they play in ODIs. Experience in the batting line-up and spin bowling will help them, but at the same time, they have to play in the moment, and not stick to an exact plan, a method that hasn’t worked in the past.The fact that Bangladesh hasn’t won an international match in 11 games in 2014 will also eat into their confidence but this team has done well in the past with their backs to the wall. They find themselves in that position at the start of the World T20.Key playerMushfiqur Rahim has batted at No.4 in the last 12 Twenty20s, and is as important as the start Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan will provide for the team. His captaincy has been lately criticised for looking too strait-jacketed, but it will be his handling of bowlers in the first six and last five overs that will be crucial.Surprise packageSabbir Rahman has only just made his T20 debut for Bangladesh in their last game against Sri Lanka, and gave a glimpse of how he goes about ramping the scoring rate in the last few overs. He tends to start off slowly, but he has a range of shots that would be effective for a team looking for a final flourish. He fields well too, and will be a handy addition if a space is made for him in the middle order.WeaknessBangladesh have usually started and ended poorly with the ball. They would have to find a way to stop the opposition’s onslaught in these two crucial times, and at the same time, look to end well with the bat too.World T20 historyBangladesh’s sole win has been against West Indies in 2007, in what was their first game. They were shocked by Ireland in 2009 and since then, have made early exits in the next two editions as well.Recent formThey have won just one out of their last five T20s. In 2013, they drew 1-1 in Zimbabwe but lost to New Zealand and Sri Lanka 1-0 and 2-0 at home. Unlike the lead-up to the 2012 tournament, Bangladesh hasn’t played any extra matches in this format, but their ongoing schedule should keep them well warmed up.
