Tigers await a different century
Bangladesh need two more victories to complete 100th ODI win
Sports Reporter
Bangladesh are just two matches shy of sealing their 100th ODI victory as they host Afghanistan later this month for a three-match series, their first one-day international series of the year. Mashrafe and Company has the bright chance to record the historic feat since they are dubbed as hot favourite against ICC associates Afghanistan even though they would break the deadlock of playing ODI cricket with the series after 10 months. The two teams have locked horned two times so far with the result being poised with 1-1. Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh in their maiden meet in the 2014 Asia Cup at Fatuallh by 32 runs but Bangladesh took a revenge with a crushing 105-run victory during the 2015 World Cup. The current form and gulf of difference in skill between the two teams made Bangladesh absolute favourite on paper. Afghans victory by any means will be touted as upset which is why the home side is expected to reach the milestone of 100th victory with quite ease.
Bangladesh have been unbeaten in bilateral ODI series at home since December 2014 when they started the dream run with 5-0 whitewash against Zimbabwe. Following an outstanding World Cup journey in Australia-New Zealand in which they reached the quarterfinal for the first time, Bangladesh recorded historic victory against Pakistan (3-0), India (2-1), South Africa (2-1) and Zimbabwe (3-0).
The Afghans though had played more cricket than Bangladesh in this year, the series should be a mismatch unless Bangladesh play so badly. Moreover they would be motivated to improve their ODI rankings as the hosts has the chance to leapfrog Sri Lanka to obtain sixth place. To materialize it, Bangladesh need to whitewash Afghanistan and then beat England at any margin in the three-match ODI series.
After making debut in one-day international cricket in 1986 with the match against Pakistan, Bangladesh however so far played 312 ODIs in which they registered 98 wins. They lost 210 matches while four matches were washed out. The percentage of the victory is 32. Their highest score in ODI came against Pakistan in the last year as they amassed 329 for six. The lowest 58 runs came against West Indies and India in 2011 and 2014. Tamims 154 against Zimbabwe in 2010 2009 remains the highest individual score while Mashrafe and Rubel Hossains 6 for 26 against Kenya in 2004 and against New Zealand in 2013 are joint best bowling figure for the country. Apart from the duo, only Mustafizur has got six-for in ODI cricket for Bangladesh.
With 4713 runs, Tamim Iqbal remains the highest run-getter for Bangladesh while left arm spinner Abdur Razzak claimed highest 207 wickets till date but Shakib who will start the series against Afghanistan with 206 wickets is expected to overtake his predecessor. Fast bowler Rubel Hossain could be the fifth Bangladesh bowler and second pacer after Mashrafe Bin Mortaza to take 100 ODI wickets in the series if he makes room. Rubel has 87 wickets under his belt at the moment. It is quite tough to take 13 wickets in three matches but for Mushfiqur Rahim to touch the milestone of 4000 runs as the third Bangladeshi batsman after Tamim and Shakib Al Hasan looks quite easy. Mushfiqur needs just 80 runs to join the club of 4000 runs.
