Bangladesh could not have possibly been in a better shape heading into the 2016 ICC World Twenty20. The shortest format of the game was a worry even weeks ago but the Tigers' level of confidence seemed to have increased in significant proportions following a brilliant campaign in the just-concluded Asia Cup T20.
And they will be expecting to continue their recent improvements in the shortest format when they face the Netherlands today in their first-round opener in Dharamsala. The match begins at 3:30pm and BTV, GTV, Maasranga TV and Star Sports 1 will telecast it live.
In the back of their minds, Bangladesh can always wonder as to why they are contesting the qualifiers despite being the runners-up in the Asia Cup. But one can hardly argue, given that the format was drawn up two years ago when the International Cricket Council’s cut-off time for playing directly in the main round had expired.
The top eight teams in the ICC T20 rankings qualified automatically for the main round while the ninth- and 10th-placed teams will take on six Associate sides for the remaining two Super 10 berths.
Considering the blazing form of the Tigers, the three matches in the first round will be no more than practice matches. However, Bangladesh would do well not to take the Netherlands, Ireland and Oman lightly. If the Tigers do progress to the Super 10, they will go on to face the top-ranked and hosts India, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand.
The conditions in Dharamsala will be a challenge, not only for Bangladesh but also for their today’s opposition. With the venue located 4000 feet above sea level, the Tigers are finding it difficult to cope with the cold and harsh conditions. But on the eve of the clash, Mashrafe bin Mortaza sounded out a warning, saying the weather and conditions should not be used as excuses in the event of a defeat.
Batting should not be a worry for the Tigers. All the batsmen are in prime form, including the likes of Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah and Mohammad Mithun. There is a slight concern though regarding senior batsmen Shakib al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, who have both experienced a barren run with the willow recently.
The format of the game however, allows anyone and everyone to bounce back so Bangladesh are hoping for their two stalwarts Shakib and Mushfiq to do the same today.
With the leather, the Tigers pacemen are likely to do the majority of the work, bearing in mind the conditions. Bangladesh are likely to go in with four pace bowlers in the “City of the Gods”. Al Amin Hossain and Taskin Ahmed were sharp as a blade in the Asia Cup and will be expected to bring their form into the global showpiece event.
The Tigers however, will badly miss the services of their cutter specialist Mustafizur Rahman. The left-arm paceman was benched in the latter part of the Asia Cup and is still recovering from a side-strain injury. While all the bowlers were busy chancing their arm in the nets yesterday, Mustafizur was seen working closely with the team physiotherapist. The type of workout he is undergoing is part of his rehabilitation process. It was learnt that he is expected to take seven-10 days to recover full match-fitness.
Till date, Bangladesh have faced the Dutch twice with the sides winning one game each.
