Middle-order needs to fire
Despite a magnificent unbeaten 83-run knock by Tamim Iqbal against the Netherlands, Bangladesh were unable to post a big target as almost all the batsmen failed to apply themselves at the middle. The Tigers managed to post 153/7 in their 20 overs and if any of the Bangladesh batsmen were able to support Tamim, the total could have been bigger. The major concern of the Tigers' batting line-up is centring around Shakib al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim and their inconsistent displays. At one point of the game, things looked extremely clumsy for the Tigers. The bowlers however, made up for the failure of the batsmen, bowling superbly to successfully defend the total. Captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza will no doubt eye a much-improved display from his batsmen today.
Dropped catches
Ever since the addition of head coach Chandika Hathurusingha and fielding coach Richard Halsall to the Tigers team management, the fielding aspect has been world class. However, against the Dutch, the standard dropped slightly as Mushfiq and Nasir Hossain grassed two catches which could have proven to be costly errors in the context of the game. Both Mushfiq and Nasir are considered safe fielders but the latter dropped a dolly, that of Netherlands captain Peter Borren. The Tigers would be targeting a more professional exhibition of ground fielding today.
Adapt to the conditions
The Tigers' tight schedule has been one of their major obstacles recently. Bangladesh reached Dharamsala just a day after the Asia Cup Twenty20 final. And just a day later, they took on the Dutch in their World T20 first round opener. The weather and condition are never easy to acclimatise instantly and it was clearly evident against the Dutch. With the venue standing more than 4000 feet above sea level, both the teams struggled in the testing condition. However, having got enough time to familiarise themselves with the surroundings, Mashrafe and his troop will find the condition to their liking as the tournament progresses.