Tigers lack firepower at the end

Bangladesh played their first ODI after over ten months against Afghanistan in the three-match series at home and the shakiness among the Tigers batsmen was clearly evident. As a result, the hosts were unable to post big totals, despite having the platform to launch in the first and third ODI, while they faced a batting disaster in the second game, eventually losing by two wickets. To be more specific, the Tigers' middle-order failed to provide the support in the latter stages of the games and it was the main area of concern against the Afghans. Perhaps opening batsman Tamim Iqbal is the only exception as he is the highest run-getter of the series with 218 runs in three games, including a hundred and a fifty. Mahmudullah was also consistent with the willow, totalling 119 runs including a fifty having batted at different positions. However, Mushfiqur Rahim scored just 56 runs in three games and he had the opportunity to convert his knocks into a bigger one as he scored six, 38 and 12. The experienced Shakib al Hasan also had a below-par series with the bat, scoring only 82 runs in three games. Tigers head coach Chandika Hathurusingha tried to experiment with the batting order and it backfired as the Tigers were never able to launch in the last 10 overs of the innings in all the three matches. In the first game, Bangladesh had the platform to register a big total as the home side were 196/3 in 40 overs. But they were bundled out for 265, adding only 69 runs in the last 10 overs losing all of their remaining wickets. The home side had to fight hard till the end to ensure a nervy seven-run win. Moving forward to the second game, it was rather a sorry batting display from the Tigers where debutant Mosaddek Hossain turned out to be the only bright spot, scoring an unbeaten 45 as he added 43 runs for the last wicket alongside Rubel Hossain to take the Tigers past the 200-run mark. Most of the Bangladesh batsmen got starts but were unable to convert those into a big one. As things turned out, the Tigers added just 54 runs in their last 10 overs and went on to lose by two wickets. However, it was a much better start in the third game as Tamim smashed his seventh ODI hundred to become the highest Bangladeshi centurion in the 50-over format. Along with Sabbir Rahman, who was promoted to No 3 for the very first time in his ODI career, Tamim added 140 runs for the second wicket. Sabbir reached his third ODI fifty and Bangladesh were well set on their way to the 300-run mark. But just after the second wicket partnership was broken, the Tigers soon lost their way. Before the 41st over, Bangladesh were 215/3 but added only 64 runs in their final 10 overs, losing their remaining five wickets to manage 279/8 from fifty overs. Without a doubt, the Tigers think tank will have to correct the late, launching errors with the bat as at the end of the day, 20-30 runs can actually create a huge difference between winning and losing.