If not extremely intimidating, Bangladesh are evolved into formidable opponent in one-day international cricket but the country is yet to find their feet in T20 version, a shortest format of the cricket in which they are predicted to be a good side.
While Bangladesh’s record in the ODI cricket this year is eye-catching, in T20 format, the record is discreet. Out of 44 matches they played in this format, won just 12 including over three top teams –West Indies, New Zealand and Pakistan. They won their first ever T20 match against Pakistan this year but lost the momentum against South Africa, by being whitewashed in two-match T20 series.
Given their aggressive style, Bangladeshi players are predicted to get the newest format of the cricket particularly to their liking. But aggression can’t buy the success always as T20 format is about switching the gear according to the conditions and improvising the shots. That’s the arena in which Bangladesh are lagging behind.
But still Bangladesh should be little worried ahead of the first of the two-match Twenty20 series today at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium if the recent performance of those two teams is anything to go by.
Low ranked Afghanistan even got the better of Zimbabwe in the recent T20 series by sweeping them. If the stat of T20 is considered Bangladesh also start the series on the backdrop of losing the two-match against South Africa most recently.
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza however had no reservation to admit their lackluster form in this format but believed the confidence, gained from the ODI series would be carried forward.
“Honestly we are not a good T20 team, our record in this format didn’t speak in favour of us,” Mortaza said.” But It’s equally right we are now on top of our form and gained a huge confidence by sweeping the ODI series. Hopefully we can carry it forward.”
According to Mashrafe, this series is their best opportunity to find out their right combination for the upcoming Asia Cup and World T20. He said, the series will also give them an opportunity to adjust the technical errors before those two multinational tournaments.
“The series is our best chance to sort out our best T20 combination for the upcoming Asia Cup and World T20. It’s also the best chance to find out the technical mistakes and other errors ahead of those two crucial tournaments.”
“Winning the series is crucial but more crucial is to find out the best combination. Because we have no opportunity before the Asia Cup and World T20 to play more T20 matches and sort out our right combination. We have 15 players and alternative for every position. If there is Shakib, we could have in good shape but we have Sabbir Rahman Rumman who is able to score 40 off 20. You need a batsman in No. 6 position who could score 40 off 20. But the main point is to give all some sort of opportunity to test the combination. Yes again I said winning is important but getting the right combination is equally important.” While the recent ODI performance and Zimbabwe’s wayward form made Bangladesh absolute favourite, Mashrafe warned his side about the backlash of the Southern African opponents, given their  past success in this format.
“In this format of cricket, the difference between big team and small team reduces in considerable margin. So nothing is granted in this format. We’ve to be alert.”
“T20 is such a format where there is no scope of prediction. When one or two wickets are fallen, the difference of big or small team is no longer there. But we should be positive. We are playing good cricket, so we should carry it forward.”