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Kriralok Desk: The ACC Asia Cup of Bangladesh has ended. Bangladesh, who were knocked out of the fight to reach the final, got a consolation win against India. Cricket fans are saying that it will increase the confidence of Bangladesh going to participate in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup.
Bangladesh is one of the strongest teams in ODI format of cricket. Third place in the ICC ODI Super League is proof of that. Bangladesh has also received permission to play directly in the World Cup to be held on Indian soil. The 2023 Asia Cup was held in 50 formats. Bangladesh saw the dream of the final. But it was not fulfilled.
Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka in the group stage of the six-team tournament. However, in the second match, the Tigers defeated Afghanistan and entered the Super Four. But the rhythm fell again in Superfour. After losing to Pakistan and Sri Lanka in two consecutive matches, Bangladesh left the tournament.
The match between Bangladesh and India in the Super Four phase was just a regulation match. Because India has confirmed the final. They were joined by Sri Lanka who defeated Pakistan and Bangladesh. Therefore, India left Virat Kohli out of the playing XI against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh beat India by 6 runs on Friday (September 15) at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Batting first in the exciting match, Bangladesh scored 265 runs for eight wickets. In reply, India’s innings ended at 259 with 1 ball to spare.
Shakib Al Hasan scored 80 runs in 85 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes. He also took 1 wicket with the ball. After Shubman Gill’s century, Shakib was the best of the match. Because he made his team win.
There is no doubt that a win against India will boost Bangladesh’s confidence. After a long time, cutter master Mustafizur Rahman took three wickets. Tanjim Hasan Shakib has seen two wickets. Besides, Mehdi Hasan got two wickets, Miraj and Shakib got one wicket each.
Allan Donald’s touch has changed Bangladesh’s fast bowling. Hasan Mahmud, Shariful Islam and Taskin Ahmed are giving their best. However, disappointment was increasing with Mustafiz. He was looking for himself lost in injuries and lack of form. His wicket against India is a relief.
Batting has been a problem throughout the Asia Cup. Mehdi Hasan scored a century against Afghanistan. He got down to open the century. But no run was seen in the next match. He scored 13 runs off 28 balls against India. Miraj is not established as a batsman. He can’t be counted as a dependable batsman.
Liton Das was absent from the start of the Asia Cup. Nazmul Hossain Shanto fell in the middle. Tamim Iqbal’s absence has suffered. There was no pacer Ibadat Hossain. Mahmudullah Riyad was also not included in the team.
Opener Tanjid Hasan made his debut in the Asia Cup. He got a chance in two matches. Scored 13 runs. He got out without scoring any runs against Sri Lanka on debut. Naeem Sheikh could not use the opportunity. Similarly, Anamul Haque Vijay got a chance against India in one down and scored 4 runs. Anamul and Naeem Sheikh’s departure from the World Cup squad is certain.
Youngsters like Towhid Hridoy, Nasum Ahmed are becoming reliable. Bangladesh can get the expected results if Tauhid, Shanto, Liton, Miraj get the best in the World Cup. In 2023, Shakib and Mushfiq may play the last ODI World Cup of their career. So is Tamim Iqbal. Middle order batting has troubled Bangladesh in the Ayahia Cup. There are demands to return Mahmudullah Riyad. Before the World Cup, Bangladesh will play a three-match ODI series against New Zealand. Mahmudullah’s fate may be decided in this series. He may also get a chance to play the last ODI World Cup of his career.
Before taking the field against India, captain Shakib was expecting a win. He said that the victory against India will increase the confidence of Bangladesh in the World Cup. Moreover he said, “Bangladesh won. It would be good if we can find a confident Bangladesh in the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, in the disaster of the Asia Cup, Bangladesh was pushed to the eighth place in the ICC ODI ranking by the finalist Sri Lanka. But Bangladesh regained seventh place after defeating India.
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