Tensed Tigers seek to win series

A double flow of tension is running inside the camp of Bangladesh national cricket team as they are waiting for the selectors to name the squad for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup while planning the wrestle back the momentum in the five-match series against New Zealand.

Habibul Bashar, former captain and national selector, told the media few days back that the team for T20 World cup would be finalised by Sunday. But the batting collapse against New Zealand in the third match, which saw Bangladesh getting folded for their second lowest 76 runs in a 52-run defeat, suddenly changed the scenario.

Skipper Mahmudullah and coach Russell Domingo told the media that they would prefer knowing the squad before the ongoing series, but an indecision over the inclusion of Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim’s role in the team made the selectors waiting.

Tamim opted out of the World Cup while Domingo cleared to the media on Sunday Mushfiq was no longer interested as wicketkeeper in T20 making selectors’ job somewhat easier though there are some decisions yet to be made.

This year, Mohammad Naim played 14 T20 internationals for Bangladesh where he amassed only 299 runs with 100 strike-rate and only one half-century.

Rumours have it that the board officials have approached Tamim to reconsider his decision after the batting collapse against New Zealand, which has caused the delay of team declaration.

Bangladesh’s batting fragility was brutally exposed in the match when New Zealand spinners ruled the roost.

The Tigers have played same eleven in the first three matches of the

series, but a few changes are expected in the fourth match.

Soumya Sarkar and Shoriful Islam, who are yet to get a game in the series, likely to make it to the starting line-up as Bangladesh are seeking their first ever Twenty20 series win over New Zealand.