Bangladesh yet to decode T20 format
ESPNcricinfo on five takeaways for Bangladesh from their 2-0 defeat in the T20I series against South Africa
Mohammad Isam
08-Jul-2015
Arafat Sunny was the lone bright spot in an otherwise poor series for Bangladesh • AFP
Bangladesh have improved significantly in ODIs and are developing as a Test unit, but they haven't decoded T20 cricket. Among the Full Members, only Zimbabwe have played fewer T20s than Bangladesh, who have a poorer record than Associates Ireland, Netherlands and Afghanistan. The 0-2 defeat to South Africa has thrown up some issues for Mashrafe Mortaza's side.
Arafat Sunny must play more T20Is
The left-arm spinner Sunny was Bangladesh's standout performer in the two matches against South Africa. He got rid of AB de Villiers in the first over of the first game and showed he was comfortable with taking the new ball. He doesn't have great variety but Sunny brings his domestic experience to his bowling in T20Is. He is a naturally accurate bowler, and can bounce back to pick up a crucial wicket even after a bad over or two, like he did when he broke South Africa's 95-run opening stand in the second game.
The left-arm spinner Sunny was Bangladesh's standout performer in the two matches against South Africa. He got rid of AB de Villiers in the first over of the first game and showed he was comfortable with taking the new ball. He doesn't have great variety but Sunny brings his domestic experience to his bowling in T20Is. He is a naturally accurate bowler, and can bounce back to pick up a crucial wicket even after a bad over or two, like he did when he broke South Africa's 95-run opening stand in the second game.
Bangladesh don't adapt quickly, even at home
Mashrafe said after the first T20I that his batsmen's struggle could be because of the changing nature of the pitches in Mirpur. It wasn't a big change, though, because the wicket continued to be on the slower side. Mirpur's low bounce was also evident and the only difference was the ball turning more. The problem could be due to Bangladesh recently playing continuous cricket on true wickets in Australia, New Zealand and even at home, particularly during the India series, when the Mirpur pitches had assistance for the seamers. The pitches for the T20Is against South Africa were a return to spinner-friendly surfaces and the move backfired on the hosts.
Mashrafe said after the first T20I that his batsmen's struggle could be because of the changing nature of the pitches in Mirpur. It wasn't a big change, though, because the wicket continued to be on the slower side. Mirpur's low bounce was also evident and the only difference was the ball turning more. The problem could be due to Bangladesh recently playing continuous cricket on true wickets in Australia, New Zealand and even at home, particularly during the India series, when the Mirpur pitches had assistance for the seamers. The pitches for the T20Is against South Africa were a return to spinner-friendly surfaces and the move backfired on the hosts.
Soumya Sarkar must bat longer
Sarkar has played more than 50 balls in only five of his 21 innings across formats, and has batted longer than an hour only seven times. He is an attractive batsman but has not delivered on the promise of big runs, often giving away his wicket after a flurry of boundaries. After his unbeaten 127 in an ODI against Pakistan, it was clear that quiet phases during his innings were beneficial to his longevity. That approach might not be ideal for T20 cricket but Sarkar needs to find a way.
Sarkar has played more than 50 balls in only five of his 21 innings across formats, and has batted longer than an hour only seven times. He is an attractive batsman but has not delivered on the promise of big runs, often giving away his wicket after a flurry of boundaries. After his unbeaten 127 in an ODI against Pakistan, it was clear that quiet phases during his innings were beneficial to his longevity. That approach might not be ideal for T20 cricket but Sarkar needs to find a way.
Sabbir Rahman should bat down the order
Mashrafe said after the second T20I that Bangladesh needed a powerful start to stay afloat through the innings because they did not have big hitters in their middle and lower order. To address that concern, Sabbir should be pushed down to No.7 so that he can exploit the death overs with his big-hitting skills.
Mashrafe said after the second T20I that Bangladesh needed a powerful start to stay afloat through the innings because they did not have big hitters in their middle and lower order. To address that concern, Sabbir should be pushed down to No.7 so that he can exploit the death overs with his big-hitting skills.
Bangladesh must play more T20s
Despite the trouble it caused in two seasons, the BPL has to be brought back in Bangladesh's domestic calendar. The tournament gives the Bangladesh players a chance to play T20s regularly and understand more about the format from the overseas players. It also gives the selectors a chance to find big-hitting and death-bowling options. Bangladesh's next T20I is scheduled for mid-November and it is likely the BCB will arrange a few more internationals against, possibly, West Indies and a few other teams in the build up to the World T20 in March.
Despite the trouble it caused in two seasons, the BPL has to be brought back in Bangladesh's domestic calendar. The tournament gives the Bangladesh players a chance to play T20s regularly and understand more about the format from the overseas players. It also gives the selectors a chance to find big-hitting and death-bowling options. Bangladesh's next T20I is scheduled for mid-November and it is likely the BCB will arrange a few more internationals against, possibly, West Indies and a few other teams in the build up to the World T20 in March.
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo's Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84