Having lost their first two Super 12 matches, West Indies and Bangladesh are now on the same boat in this ongoing ICC T20 World Cup. Both teams have struggled to get going so far in the competition, and now find themselves in the must-win territory when it comes to qualification for the semi-finals are concerned. Under these circumstances, they will take each other on in an afternoon game in Sharjah on Friday, October 29.
Ever since the defeat against Scotland at the qualifying stage, things have been patchy for Bangladesh. Finding the ideal team combination has been a headache for their management, while questions have been raised on their on-field decision makings.
Against Sri Lanka, they under-bowled Shakib Al Hasan on a spin-friendly wicket. Then, against England, they lost the plot with bat. Now, on a smaller ground against the power-packed West Indies, Bangladesh have to be on top of their game if they wish for a better result.
Liton Das' form is a concern leading, and someone like Soumya Sarkar can replace him in the playing XI. Among bowlers, off-spinner Shamim Hossain can be preferred, considering the number of left-handers in the West Indies line-up.
The natural T20 flair seems to be missing in the West Indies batting this time. They were bowled out for 55 against England, and made only 143 against South Africa on a good batting surface. Some of the batters have looked too conservative in their approach. Chris Gayle not opening the batting has not helped their cause either.
Kieron Pollard and his team will look to come out with a fresh approach in this game. The smaller size of the Sharjah ground will go in their favour and it might help their batting to find its mojo.
West Indies have added Jason Holder in their main squad and considering his recent all-round IPL form on these UAE pitches, he should get into the first eleven for this fixture.
Likely XIs
Bangladesh: Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Naim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (c), Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Shamim Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam
West Indies: Evin Lewis, Chris Gayle, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Kieron Pollard (c), Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Ravi Rampaul
Fantasy tips
- Pick as many all-rounders as possible in your fantasy XI.
- In T20Is, Shakib has an economy rate of less than 7 with ball, and will bat at No. 3. That makes him one of the most popular choices as fantasy XI captain.
- With not much pace in the Bangladesh bowling attack, someone like Gayle should enjoy batting. It will be wise to have him.
Blitzpools Fantasy XI
Nicholas Pooran (wk), Mushfiqur Rahim, Evin Lewis, Chris Gayle, Mohammad Naim, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Andre Russell, Jason Holder (vc), Akeal Hosein, Mustafizur Rahman, Ravi Rampaul