Much to do to keep series alive
A lot will depend on Bangladesh's approach and adaptability after losing the first T20I as the Tigers attempt to keep the series alive when they take on West Indies in the second game of the three-match series in their first international game in the United States of America tomorrow.
The night game at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Florida is scheduled to begin from 6:00am Bangladesh time on Sunday.
Bangladesh fell to a comprehensive seven wicket defeat in the first game through the Duckworth-Lewis method in a rain-shortened encounter at St Kitts on Tuesday.
After the game, skipper Shakib Al Hasan said that they needed someone like Andre Russell, who hit three fours and as many sixes in a blistering 21-ball 35 to take West Indies to revised target of 91 from 11 overs with 11 balls to spare.
However, the Bangladesh batsman displayed a lack of situational awareness as they lost the first four wickets for just 43 runs in the Powerplay with in-form opener Tamim Iqbal coming down the track in the very first ball of the innings and Soumya Sarkar totally misjudging the line and length as both openers were dismissed for first-ball ducks in the very first over.
And once again the question was raised over the approach in the shortest format of the game. Bangladesh, despite at one stage being 100 for five in 11 overs, were unable to launch an offensive in the death overs and eventually posted a modest total of 143 for nine.
It will be imperative that Bangladesh take calculated risks rather than going for an all-out attack without any specific plan. Another vital aspect would be to provide a good start from the top order to set the platform for the latter stages of the innings.
If the visitors want to make a comeback in the series, the seniors like Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad will once again have to take the responsibility after the continued dismal performances from the juniors.
West Indies on the other hand will be much more confident not only due the victory in the first game in their favoured format, but also because of their unbeaten record in Florida where the Caribbean team won all their three completed matches at this ground.
The T20I world champions will once again bank on their power cricket as Even Lewis, who is yet to fire in the ODI and T20I series, will be gearing up for his turn while Russell and Marlon Samuels have already proved what they are capable of in the first game.
