Who knew Bangladesh would face such a difficult equation in the T20 World Cup qualifiers? That is exactly what is going on right now. If the red-and-green jersey holders lose to Oman today after losing to Scotland, they will have to hold the country’s plane ticket with their heads bowed.
Current Situation in Bangladesh Camp
Bangladesh-Oman is looking like a knockout game in Group B, especially after Scotland shocked Bangladesh on the first day. Oman has already thrashed Papua New Guinea. So another victory gives them a significant advantage in terms of net run rate. Another defeat can only mean an early exit for Bangladesh, which is the stuff of nightmares.
Their fans around the world are already enraged after they were defeated by Scotland by six runs. It wasn’t just the opposition or the margin of defeat that stood out, but also how Bangladesh went down. Bangladesh are a well-established international team with far superior infrastructure and playing experience than the other teams in this group. However, despite reducing Scotland to 53 for 6, they were unable to finish them off on Sunday. Scotland seized the decisive moments, while Bangladesh appeared to be playing the waiting game after their early dominance.
Batting Issue of Bangladesh
Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, for example, appeared to take an inordinate amount of time to rebuild the chase after the openers were dismissed. Mahmudullah could have pulled the trigger earlier as well, leaving the lower order with too much to do in the end. It’s also past time for Soumya Sarkar and Liton Das to progress from “talented” to “consistent” performers.
Bowling Issue of Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s bowling was excellent for the first 12 overs, but they gave up 85 runs in the final eight overs. The spinners finish by the 16th over, after which Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, and Taskin Ahmed go for runs at the death. When this happens, Bangladesh’s chances of recovery are often bleak.
Equations for Bangladesh to Join Super 12
Oman’s at the top of the group with a net run rate (+) 3.335. Scotland’s at the second with the net run rate (+)0.300. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s run rate is (-)0.300. As a result, Bangladesh will have to keep in mind the run rate calculation as well as winning the match to advance to the next round.
Bangladesh will advance from Group B to the Super 12 if they win the remaining two matches and Scotland have to beat Oman and Papua New Guinea. However, if the Scots lose even a game, then Bangladesh will have to cross the complex equation of run rate.
T20 World Cup: Oman Team
Meanwhile, Oman will look to build on their victory over PNG. Aqib Ilyas and Jatinder Singh had a great time putting on a 131-run opening stand in 13.4 overs. They will, however, be up against a much better bowling attack. The remainder of Oman’s batting lineup must also be ready to contribute when called upon.
Oman must also improve on the field. There were plenty of fumbles in the deep against PNG. Like, Occasional slip through the legs that resulted in a four-pointer. Mohammad Nadeem made up for it with a spectacular catch at long-on. But against better opponents, Oman’s outfield play could cost them a winning position.
T20 World Cup: Team news
Mohammad Naim will be called up, and Soumya Sarkar will most likely be released. Soumya was selected ahead of Naim only because he provided a sixth bowling option in case of dew, according to coach Russell Domingo.
Bangladesh: Possible XI
- Mohammad Naim,
- Liton Das,
- Shakib Al Hasan,
- Mushfiqur Rahim,
- Mahmudullah (capt),
- Afif Hossain,
- Nurul Hasan (wk),
- Mahedi Hasan,
- Mohammad Saifuddin,
- Taskin Ahmed/ Shoriful Islam,
- Mustafizur Rahman
Oman is unlikely to break their winning team from the previous game.
Oman: Possible XI
- Aqib Ilyas,
- Jatinder Singh,
- Khawar Ali,
- Zeeshan Maqsood (capt),
- Kashyap Prajapati,
- Naseem Khushi (wk),
- Mohammad Nadeem,
- Ayaan Khan,
- Sandeep Goud,
- Kaleemullah,
- Bilal Khan
