England and Bangladesh will face in T20 Internationals for the first time in a crucial Group 1 fixture at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday afternoon. Having lost to Sri Lanka in the previous game, Bangladesh will be desperate for two points from this game to keep their semi-final hopes alive, while England will be oozing with confidence after bowling out defending champions West Indies for 55 in their inaugural fixture in the T20 World Cup.
Nevertheless, the slow-low conditions in Abu Dhabi will suit the spin-heavy Bangladesh side. They can take inspiration from the struggle of English top-order against Akeal Hosein's (2-24) left-arm spin during their small target in Dubai. Keeping the spin factor in mind, Bangladesh are likely to go ahead with their three-spinner strategy in this game.
They may also bring in Taskin Ahmed for Mohammad Saifuddin, who was hit for 38 in 3 overs against Sri Lanka. On the batting front, Liton Das is likely to retain his place despite a poor outing in that game.
England's strength lies in their flamboyant top order. Jason Roy, Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow can all take the game away from the opposition in a short period. However, these slowish pitches are not conducive for strokemaking right from the word go.
Furthermore, Shakib Al Hasan has a decent track record against Roy and Buttler in white-ball cricket. It will not be surprising if Bangladesh use him in the Powerplay.
Without Ben Stokes, there is a bit of vulnerability in the England middle order, especially considering the form of Eoin Morgan and Liam Livingstone in the UAE leg of the IPL.
Among bowlers, Mark Wood missed the first game of the tournament due to an ankle injury. It remains to be seen whether he can make it for this fixture. Otherwise, England are unlikely to make any change in their settled playing XI.
Likely XIs
England: Jason Roy, Jos Buttler (wk), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan (c), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Tymal Mills
Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (c), Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Fantasy tips
- Assign captaincy and vice-captaincy of your fantasy teams to Shakib and Moeen respectively or vice-versa.
- Pick more top-order batters and spin bowlers in your side.
- Do pick the bowlers who are likely bowl more overs in the death, like Mustafizur and Woakes, in your teams.
Blitzpools fantasy XI
Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Mahmudullah, Mohammad Naim, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Moeen Ali (vc), Mahedi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid