The journey so far for Bangladesh has been a sound one in the 2016 World Twenty20. Backed by a winning momentum, they started with a narrow victory against the Netherlands, only to be rocked instantly by the suspected bowling actions of two of their key bowlers – Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny. The rain then denied them of a positive result against Ireland.
And today in Dharamsala, the Tigers find themselves in a do-or-die situation as they take on minnows Oman in their last qualifying game of the tournament. The equation is simple; the winning side will go through to the Super 10 round of the competition.
However, if rain were to play foul yet again, Bangladesh will be the one moving forward, given that they have a better net run rate than Oman.
Batting is hardly a concern for the Tigers, who ended up as the runners-up in the Asia Cup T20. Opener Tamim Iqbal has been in tremendous form of late, having led the Tigers to challenging tallies in last two matches. In today’s game, he will be expected to continue his amazing display.
The game against the Irish was abandoned due to rain but not before Bangladesh, especially Tamim, made a mark. There are concerns regarding the side’s two senior campaigners - Shakib al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim – who have not been up to the mark with the willow.
Captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza believes the duo can turn around, bearing in mind the format of the game. Mashrafe also thinks Tamim’s performance so far in the tournament should encourage the duo.
As far as bowling is concerned, the Tigers’ attack was hurt badly after pacer Taskin and spinner Sunny was suspected of illegal bowling actions by the International Cricket Council. But that should not hamper the confidence moving forward in the tournament. The recent successes of Bangladesh were backed by their sharp bowling attack and the side’s pace bowling coach Heath Streak believes it will remain the same despite all the hurdles.
The only challenge for the Tigers in the game will be not knowing much about the Oman team. The occasion is the first that the ICC Associate side have made this far in a major cricket tournament and that they will be facing a Test-playing nation. For obvious reasons, there is very less information available on the Omani cricketers.
Cricket is the secondary option for almost all of the Oman cricketers. All of them have primary professions, be it administrative roles in multi-national companies, working for the Oman government or in super-stores. Over the years, the structure of cricket in Oman has developed and these days, players from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka regularly partake in the league.
Oman have been flying high in the last 15 months or so and their biggest achievement within this time was beating Ireland by two wickets in their opening game of the 2016 World T20.
Rain has played spoil-sport in Dharamsala and according to forecasts, it looks like it will remain the same, at least for another four-five days. Both the sides will be looking forward to the game taking place and if it doesn’t, then it is Bangladesh who will progress to the main round, thanks to their superior net run rate.
