Questions over batting group go unanswered

There was little to gain for Bangladesh from the fifth and final Twenty20 international of their five-match series against New Zealand- the trophy was already in the bag, and the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup was also declared.

But there were meant to be celebrations at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium as this was Bangladesh’s first-ever series win over the Blackcaps. But a 27-run defeat not only spoiled the mood of the celebration but also left a crucial question unanswered.

The question is, was this the ideal preparation for the marquee event as the Tigers faltered to chase 162 runs on a surface that was probably the closest of what could be expected in the T20 World Cup?

The spongy surfaces used in the series that cut off the pace from the ball and gave the spinners some unexpected movement made it difficult to score for the batsmen from both sides, but when it came to a fresh track with even bounce and true pace, the batsmen from Bangladesh still struggled.

Liton Das is considered as one of the most flamboyant batsmen in the country, but his scores are simply the opposite of the grace he shows during his batting.

He is yet to score a half-century in T20Is since March 2020, and so far in the series, his highest score is 33.

Naim Sheikh also failed to impress as he has played all the 16 T20I matches Bangladesh played this year where he could manage to register only one half-century, and his strike rate is also not befitting with the game.

Shakib Al Hasan was not in the team on Friday as he was rested and that gave Afif Hossain a push in the batting line-up, and he made full use of it by playing a knock of 49* runs which could be even better if his partners could bat sensibly.

Mushfiq’s decision to leave the keeping gloves might be affecting his batting as he threw away his wicket trying to play an inside-out shot.

Throughout the series against Australia and the first four matches against New Zealand, anything around 120 was par-score and the Tigers managed to defend or chase well when the surface was offering a lot. But when the conditions got better, the Tigers were still stuck into their vicious circle of low scores while the visitors returned to their better form of batting and posted such a total that was beyond the reach.

Head coach Russell Domingo said a few days back that the media had been spreading negativity regarding the team because he thinks Bangladesh are a better T20I side than the numbers say. Mahmudullah also said that the rankings don’t reflect their strength.

On paper, winning against Australia by 4-1 and against New Zealand by 3-2 makes them a better team but a glimpse of reality was revealed in Bangladesh’s last T20I before they leave for Oman, where they will have a training camp before the qualifying round.

With Shakib and Mustafiz, the bowling attack of the Bangladesh is pretty convincing. But the question still remains with the batting, especially some younger cricketers who are getting a good deal of exposure but yet to prove their mettle.