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Mahmudullah Riyad-led a young Bangladesh national men's cricket team will try to avoid a humiliating whitewash against Pakistan in front of a home crowd at the SBNCS, Mirpur on Monday (November 22). As per Bangladesh's recent performances, beating Pakistan even in their own backyards in the last match of the BAN vs PAK T20I series 2021 is a long way off. However, there is reason to be optimistic if the players execute their game plan effectively on the field. Let's take a look at what Bangladesh need to do to win the third match of the series.
Bangladesh's Focus Points for the third match
Some flaws in the current Bangladesh T20I team were uncovered in the first two matches of the BAN vs. PAK T20I Series 2021. The team management should properly address those issues before the third match. More importantly, players must respond by showing their abilities on the field. Here are five important areas where the Tigers must improve in the series finale.
A proper game plan
Did Bangladesh have a game plan in the first two matches? Even a fan with limited knowledge can see that the Bangladesh team did not get on the field with a well-thought-out strategy. The inexperienced top order's main goal was to survive as long as possible. Sadly, they were unsuccessful in both matches, with the exception of Najmul Hossain Shanto's 40-run knock in the second game.
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Bangladesh need a strategy, especially in batting. What should be the approach of the openers? Who is going to attack and who is going to defend? Who in the top order will be responsible for seeing the innings till the end? How many runs do they want to score in the power play? And keeping wickets in hand for the death overs.
These issues must be addressed before the third match. The captain and team management should encourage the players to put in a valiant effort in the hopes of securing a consolation victory. It wouldn't be a bad idea to switch two or three players in the playing XI if necessary.
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A solid opening partnership
This is the most pressing concern for Bangladesh's T20I team. No one seems to be ready to take on the position of the opener in the T20 format. Mohammad Naim has performed well in the absence of Tamim Iqbal, but he has yet to shine in this series.
Saif Hasan had no idea in the first two matches. Saif may be dropped, as Parvez Emon has been selected for the third match. Bangladesh will need a good foundation from the openers, whoever they are.
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Using death overs effectively
Bangladesh were in a solid position but couldn't capitalize in the final few overs in the second match. As a result, they were forced to settle for a low total to defend. Keeping wickets in hand for the final five overs is crucial.
The power hitters must unleash in the death overs for a challenging total. Captain Mahmudullah must play a critical role because he is the only experienced player in the group. He must bat deep and ensure that Bangladesh get the total they desire.
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Bowling with discipline
Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed have bowled well and taken wickets in this series. However, they gave up crucial runs in the first encounter, which proved to be extremely costly to the team. If Bangladesh bat first and post a respectable total, these two players must shoulder most of the responsibility for controlling run flows and providing breakthroughs.
Like them, Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam must be disciplined in terms of line and length. Is Aminul Islam Biplob going to play in the third game? He gave up some runs but also created a number of opportunities in the previous match. It's a crucial decision for team management to make.
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Captaincy of the highest caliber
Mahmudullah Riyad was heavily criticized for not handing over the ball to Aminul Biplob in the middle overs of the first match. Biplob came in the action in the last over of the series-opener, and Pakistan's victory was all but certain at that point. Riyad utilized three part-time bowlers in the final three overs of the second match.
Mahmudullah doesn't appear to be enjoying his leadership, or he is not in the right frame of mind to lead this team. Mahmudullah Riyad must prepare his players for a gutsy effort in order to secure a consolation win in the series. Mahmudullah's decision-making at crucial moments would be better if the players remained rejuvenated.
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Way Forward
Playing the Pakistan series is a fantastic learning experience for the young Bangladesh players. They may use this lesson to improve their T20 skill development, which will help them in future international series. Those who can learn fast and consistently deliver are the only ones who will be able to survive on the international stage for a longer period of time.
The Bangladesh team should go out on Monday looking for a consolation victory. Otherwise, the BCB would be under a lot of pressure because a certain portion of Bangladesh supporters has waved Pakistan flags in the BAN vs PAK T20I Series 2021 just to show their anger with the Cricket Board.