It is almost certain that the West Indies will face a tough challenge on a slow and low wicket at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur when they take on Bangladesh in their third Group B match of the ICC World Cup tomorrow.
The Bangladesh think-tank has also pinned their hopes on the conditions and there is a whispering that the slow bowlers of the Tigers will play a vital role in a match that could prove to be the difference between a quarterfinal spot and a first round exit.
According to sources, the pitch will be more or less the same as in the second match against Ireland and there is ample indication that the pitch will not be fruitful for any pace bowler if he wants to generate pace. West Indian speedster Kemar Roach who took a career best 6-27 against Netherlands, might then not be too effective for the Caribbean.
The Tigers however looked to be preparing themselves for the crucial game as they have bought in discarded pacemen Mahbubul Alam and Dollar Mahmud besides Shahadat Hossain in yesterday's net session so that the batsmen can get enough practice against the pacers.
Bangladesh bowling coach Ian Pont however was not ready to accept that they were hiring some quality pace bowlers in the nets because of the threat from the West Indies pace attack led by Roach.
“I don't think it has anything to do with the opposition but may we want to see better quality of bowling in the nets,” opined Pont.
And what was also found was that the batsmen were hitting the ball as hard possible during practice and hence the question was raised whether it was an attempt to make sure Bangladesh can capitalize on the batting Powerplay.
“No other team has really done exceptionally well in the Powerplays except for India in the first match. Our plan for the Powerplay is not to lose wickets if we take it earlier, even if that means sacrificing a few runs,” informed left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak.
He also said that the team is now in good shape after the 27-run victory over Ireland in the second match at Mirpur.
“The boys are confident, we've had good practice, and some good time off the field,” said Razzak adding that he has no special plan with his bowling but just wants to bowl a tight line and length, and to bring variation in spin when needed.
Everybody was also curious about whether Bangladesh would keep their winning combination for the West Indies match and according to sources there was still no chance that the team think-tank would bring any changes into the team.
“I can't comment on team combination, that's up to the team management,, captain and coach,” was the answer from Razzak while he was asked to comment on the team combination.
