Bangladesh are all set to play a three-match T20I series starting on May 21 against the USA. This is the first time these two teams will face each other in a bilateral series. Playing in USA, Bangladesh have a chance to get used to the condition in the States just before the marque event.
At Houston’s Prairie View Cricket Complex, the USA recently defeated Canada by a score of 4-0 in a five-match Twenty20 International series. The hosts, who will play Bangladesh in a new three-game challenge at the same location, should be feeling confident and a little more used to the playing conditions.
The USA is led by Monank Patel and has a strong lineup that includes Corey Anderson, a former international for New Zealand. Recently, Captain Monank and Steven Taylor have shown excellent form when it comes to taking the bat off, particularly during the USA’s 4-0 series victory over Canada. Players like Nisarg Patel and Saurabh Netravalkar will initially be among the bowlers to watch out for when the USA playing contingent.
Earlier this month, Bangladesh won their five-match bilateral challenge by defeating a visiting Zimbabwean team 4-1 at Chattogram and Mirpur. Bangladesh’s 15-player roster for the series against the USA is essentially the same group that will compete in the next T20I carnival, which coincides with the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Following his recent triumph, Najmul Hossain Shanto is expected to remain as Bangladesh captain. He will captain a group that includes several seasoned players, like Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Soumya Sarkar, and the exciting opening batsman Litton Das.
World Cup In Sight
The Tigers were greeted with hurricane-force winds and thunderstorms last week in Texas. They held their first training session at the Prairie View Cricket Complex on Sunday after the weather improved the day before. Before their first game on Tuesday, both teams will have one final practice. The Grand Prairie location will host all three T20I series games. When Bangladesh plays Sri Lanka here on June 7 to begin their T20 World Cup campaign, it would be useful preparation. Additionally, the USA will play Pakistan and Canada in their opening two World Cup matches at Grand Prairie.
All Eyes On Bangladesh’s Batting
Earlier this month, when the squad played Zimbabwe at home, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto had attributed the team’s lackluster batting performance to the wickets at Chattogram and Dhaka. Bangladesh batted first three times out of five, however their maximum total was 165, despite the fact that they won the series 4-1. Will the Bangladeshi batsmen go straight into T20 mindset or will they wait to watch how the circumstances develop in Texas?
The form of Shanto and Litton Das has been subpar as Soumya Sarkar is healing from a knee ailment. Since Shakib Al Hasan hasn’t played in a Twenty20 international since nearly a year ago, Mahmudullah and Towhid Hridoy will handle the majority of Bangladesh’s batting at this time. Moving them up the order might buy them some extra time in the middle, but before the T20 World Cup, players like Shanto, Litton, and Soumya also need to score some runs to boost their confidence.
Stuart Law’s Interesting Approach
Stuart Law, a familiar character in the opposition camp, will welcome the tigers. In 2012, the former Australian batter served as the Tiger’s head coach; more recently, he led the country’s Under-19 team. Law brings years of coaching expertise to the table as the USA head coach, having been appointed last month.
As this is only the USA’s second bilateral series against a Full Member country, Law’s immediate task is to assist the team in getting off to a strong start against Bangladesh. Law would be familiar with many of the Bangladeshi players, particularly the more youthful ones who have lately worked with him.
Bangladesh’s Catching Concerns
With the T20 World Cup approaching, The Tiger’s would like to strengthen their catching. They have failed eight times out of forty-two catching opportunities in the bilateral series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka this year. The emphasis on taking high catches has increased as wicketkeepers Jaker Ali and Litton spilled three skiers between them. This year’s minor increase in catching over last is being somewhat offset by a number of missed opportunities at critical occasions.
A Known Adversary Awaits
Bangladesh is familiar with Corey Anderson, who made his debut for the USA last month, even though they will be playing against them in an international cricket match for the first time on Tuesday. Playing for New Zealand seven years ago in Mount Maunganui, Anderson hit ten sixes in his undefeated forty-one-ball century against The Tiger’s. It’s the most sixes scored in a T20I innings against the Tiger’s and the third-highest strike rate for a knock of 75 or more runs. The United States of America will be praying for this damaging Anderson against Bangladesh.