Can a revamped Bangladesh team clear the Asia Cup hurdle?
They were unsuccessful three times in the past. Bangladesh reached the final of the 50-over version of the Asia Cup in 2012 and 2018, whereas they were unable to win the T20 version in 2016.
Shakib Al Hasan will begin his new role as ODI captain during this competition, and the revamped Bangladesh side, who began preparations at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium on August 29, will be eager to get off to a strong start.
Two seasoned competitors, Mahmudullah and Tamim Iqbal, participated in all three finals, but are unavailable this time. While Tamim is concluding rehabilitation for his back issues, Mahmudullah was not considered because of his form.
Here are five areas of focus for Bangladesh in the Asia Cup:
Shakib as ODI leader: Shakib, the new ODI captain of Bangladesh, will be eager to implement the fearless brand of cricket that transformed the T20 squad into the ODI setup. Bangladesh’s seven-year unblemished streak at home came to an end when they were defeated by England in three one-day internationals, and they were then defeated by Afghanistan in the 50-over series. However, under Shakib’s leadership, Bangladesh overwhelmed England in Twenty20 Internationals and also defeated Afghanistan in the shortest format. Shakib must similarly motivate the ODI squad.
New opening pair: Litton Das was declared ineligible for the tournament because he was unable to recuperate from a fever. The replacement for Litton is Anamul haque. This provides the door for Tanzid Tamim, an uncapped starter, to play at the highest level. He is expected to open with Mohammad Naim, and both of them will be eager to grasp the opportunity, as the return of Litton and Tamim will leave only one berth available for the reserve opener in the ODI squad.
Ebadot Hossain’s absence a big blow: Both Bangladesh’s captain and head coach acknowledged before departing for Sri Lanka that they will miss Ebadot’s services. The bowling attack’s dynamics are altered by Ebadot’s absence. He was responsible for bowling the middle overs, enabling Taskin Ahmed to use the new ball. The pace of Ebadot helped him flourish in the middle overs; it remains to be seen how Taskin will slot into that role. Hasan Mahmud is more effective at bowling at the beginning and end of an innings than in the midst. Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam are the other candidates to replace Ebadot, but only time will tell if they are as effective as Taskin.
Number seven conundrum: Bangladesh will want one of their players to make a significant impact at No. 7. Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, and Shamim Patowary, in addition to the incumbent Mehidy Hasan, who batted at the position in the last couple of games, are available options.
Fielding and approach: Bangladesh will strive to avoid committing too many errors on the field. Bangladesh must avoid succumbing to the pressures of a major tournament like the Asia Cup, despite the recent success of its youthful squad. Bangladesh will be put to the test by the presence of formidable opponents, and their response to being pushed into a corner will define them as they seek to make their imprint in the Asia Cup and subsequent World Cup.
