NZ vs BAN, ICC World Cup 2023: Time working out for Bangladesh, with ailing batting unit needing an uplift

Bangladesh’s batters shall be below scrutiny throughout their ODI World Cup 2023 match in opposition to New Zealand in Chennai on Friday because the group tries to bounce again from their defeat in opposition to England. The inconsistencies which have plagued the division in 2023 had been uncovered once more within the 137-run loss to the defending champions on Tuesday.

The drawback begins on the high of the order. In their 21 ODIs this yr, Bangladesh has misplaced 41 wickets within the first 10 overs, the second-worst document of any group within the event. Their run fee in the identical part has been 4.91, the third-worst among the many 10 groups within the competitors. The state of affairs is made worse by the fixed adjustments within the opening slots. 

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The group tried six completely different opening combos earlier than deciding on Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das for the World Cup. However, the pair has solely managed 46 runs of their three associations to date, with a meagre common of 15.33. Tamim Iqbal’s exclusion has additionally added to the group’s woes. Although Iqbal’s 718 runs at 24.75 in World Cups could appear underwhelming, his expertise enjoying in 4 editions may have introduced stability to the highest order.

Bangladesh’s efficiency within the first 10 overs of their two World Cup matches has been a priority, with scores of 57/4 in opposition to England and 44/2 in opposition to Afghanistan. Trent Boult and Matt Henry, each Kiwi bowlers, have taken the vast majority of their wickets inside the first PowerPlay. Bangladesh must keep away from an identical collapse in opposition to the Kiwi tempo duo to stop additional harm to their high order.

“If we have a good start, we can play some good cricket. We need to start well, and if one of the top four bats long, then it will help our batting order,” mentioned Najmul Hossain Shanto on the eve of Bangladesh’s match in opposition to New Zealand. The early collapses within the opening part of the innings have affected their center order. Bangladesh has scored at 5.04 within the center overs, which is the worst among the many groups on this World Cup.

Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto, with 757 runs at 50.46, is the best run getter for the aspect
| Photo Credit:
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Shanto has been one of many few vivid spots for Bangladesh within the event, scoring 757 runs at 50.46. Batting at No. 3 and No. 4, his contributions ease some strain on the veteran duo of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim.

The pitch in Chennai may favour the Bangladeshi batters with its flip and grip. However, Mitchell Santner, the Kiwi left-arm off-break bowler, may pose just a few questions. He has picked up seven wickets in two video games and leads the chart for highest wicket-takers within the event.

Bangladesh’s high 4 batters have three left-handers, which may neutralize Santner’s left-arm spin. Shanto believes they’ve a plan to take care of the bowler, who has taken 29 wickets in opposition to left-handers and 69 in opposition to right-handers in ODI cricket. However, this document doesn’t give the whole image and may lead Bangladesh to a false sense of safety.

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Santner has a greater strike in opposition to left-handers (41.2) in comparison with right-handers (47.0). Even the batting strike fee in opposition to Santner goes up marginally from 78.72 (for right-handers) to 80.41 (for left-handers).

A potential alternative for Bangladesh may arrive in opposition to Ish Sodhi if the leg-spinner is included within the line-up. His strike-rate of 35 in opposition to right-handers worsens to 50 in opposition to lefties. Glenn Phillips shall be one other choice to stave off the left-handers together with his part-time off-spin.

If it clears the 2 hurdles, Bangladesh will eye the ultimate cost between overs 41-50. In 2023, the aspect scored at 6.77 on this part. Out of the groups within the World Cup, solely Afghanistan has a worse document.

With India and South Africa awaiting Bangladesh after the New Zealand match, the batting unit is working out of time. Playing its playing cards proper with the bat may imply wins in opposition to one in every of these huge weapons, thus bettering its probabilities of making the highest 4. Losses, nevertheless, at this level will push Bangladesh nearer to the brink of elimination.