Windies keen on wrapping up series, as Tigers seek turnaround

By Clifton Ross
FOLLOWING a complete mauling of the Bangladeshis in the previous game, hosts West Indies will have a profound urge to maintain their grip over the out-of-sorts visitors, who will be seeking an immediate turnaround ahead of the ODIs.

The last encounter was a realisation of the obvious mismatch, especially in the batting department. While the Tigers have a fairly experienced batting attack, the Boys in Maroon managed to upstage them by posting almost 200 runs in the last match.

Today’s clash will no doubt revolve around the batting-heavy West Indies top and lower/middle-order. Opener Brandon King spanked 57 in the previous game, while skipper Nicholas Pooran (34) and all-rounder Rovman Powell (61*), practically clobbered the Bangladesh bowlers.

The tourists should feel some pressure heading into today’s battle, especially with the ODIs set to bowl off this weekend at the same venue. Veteran all-rounder Shakib Al-Hasan was the lone star from game 2, finishing with 68 runs and figures of 1-38, adding a bit of confidence to the Tigers’ spirit.

Although Bangladesh were outplayed recently, should the likes of: Litton Das, Anamul Haque, captain Mahmudullah and Afif Hossain click today, the Tigers could likely save face and end the series on a high.
With the experience of the captain, the aggression of Das and Haque at the top of the order and Shakib’s world-star presence, Bangladesh must be harnessed should they seek to muster confidence for the remainder of their stay in Guyana.

From a bowling perspective, both units are equal to the task, with Bangladesh relying heavily on their star pacer Mustafizur Rahim and the lively Taskin Ahmed, both of whom went wicket-less in the last match but who are easily capable of slicing through the Windies order.

Spinners Mehedi Hasan and Shakib will control the lion’s share of pulling things back, if needed, or spinning the necessary webs required for a victory. West Indies on the other hand will be keen on seeing more from leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr and all-rounder Keemo Paul, who both struggled in game 2,

Outside of the aforementioned pair, the Caribbean team should feel comfortable from the collective works conducted by Akeal Hosein, Obed McCoy, Odean Smith and Romario Shepherd – all claiming wickets in the team’s thumping last win.

Both teams conducted their respective training sessions yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, further fine-tuning themselves for today’s last T20 match before shifting gears to the all-important ODI series. First ball is set to be bowled at 13:30hrs today.

West Indies: Kyle Mayers, Brandon King, Shamarh Brooks, Nicholas Pooran (capt.. & wkp.), Rovman Powell, Odean Smith, Romario Shepherd, Romario Shepherd, Obed McCoy, Akeal Hosein and Hayden Walsh Jr (probable)

Bangladesh: Litton Das, Anamul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah (capt), Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wkp.), Mosaddek Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman (probable):