Bangladesh’s Asia Cup 2023 campaign may face a scornful exit in the group stages, as the Shakib-al-Hasan-led side failed to perform well against the spirited Sri Lanka. In their first encounter of the Group of Death i.e. Group B comprising Bangladesh, Sri Lanka & Afghanistan, Shakib-al-Hasan & Co. succumbed to Sri Lankan bowlers on testing conditions.
This loss was heavily put on the shoulders of Bangladeshi batters and their experienced stalwarts Shakib-al-Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim. Let’s find out the reasons why despite being called ‘the next big thing in cricket’ Bangladesh failed again and again.
Asia Cup 2023: All-round failure in Shakib’s captaincy
Whether to throw the ball to the right bowler or to bowl personally Shakib-al-Hasan fails to impress on both fronts. His ability to spin the ball seemed missing while he was bowling on the turning Pallekele pitch. Bangladesh had a chance when they pushed Sri Lanka to 30 for 3 and it seemed that Bangladesh can create some panic in the middle.
Shakib-al-Hasan’s decision to hold himself back and then bowl defensively cost Bangladesh heavily. On the other hand, Dasun Shanaka makes sure that his wicket-taker bowlers make the most of the conditions. Earlier in the innings, Bangladesh’s only shining star with the bat was Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored a fighting 89. Shakib-al-Hasan again made a mistake by holding batters like himself and Rahim for too long.
Shakib-al-Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim: Flop show continues
Bangladesh’s batting unit is heavily dependent on accomplished players like Shakib, Rahim, Litton Das and Tamim Iqbal. Without the presence of Tamim and Litton, Skipper Shakib and Wicketkeeper batter Rahim choked in a crunch situation which led to a batting collapse against Lanka. Rahim batted too low than usual, his 40-minute inning resulted in only 13 runs, while the skipper couldn’t even make it into double digits.
This loss will shrink their chances to qualify for the next round, as Shakib & Co. may face a tough challenge against giant-killer Afghanistan. This loss resulted in their next game as a virtual knockout match. Bangladesh’s think tank had to find some quick solutions to their batting and bowling approach before it’s too late for them.
Their last glorious moment came way back in Asia Cup 2016 when they slipped the trophy against India in the finals. If Bangladesh couldn’t make it against Afghanistan they will surely have to take an introspection before going to the ICC World Cup 2023 in India.
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