Bangladesh Cricket

When Kemar Roach and Darren Sammy ripped apart the Bangladeshi middle order, it left the home team’s World Cup dreams in tatters. They slumped to 58 all out, their lowest total in ODI’s, and were booed off the field by the fans. Bangladesh have one last chance to regain that lost glory when they meet England in all important Group B encounter in Chittagong. A win for England will ensure their place in the quarters and put Bangladesh on the brink of elimination.

Bangladesh have been less than impressive since the World Cup started conceding 370 runs to the Indian batsmen in their opening encounter before slumping to 205 all out against Ireland and an all time low against the Windies. Their over dependency on Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan was clearly exposed against the West Indies attack. Mushfiqur Rahim has done enough to avoid criticism but the rest of the batsmen have failed to find their feet during the middle overs. Mohammad Ashraful will need to play a delightful knock if he needs to save his fading career. The Chittagong pitch will be slow and low like the other pitches in Bangladesh and including Suhrawadi Shuvo in the lineup for a seamer wouldn’t be a bad option.

England may have won a thriller against South Africa but it also cost them the in-form Kevin Pietersen and Stuart Broad to injuries. With Morgan called as a replacement for Pietersen, Strauss and Co. will be scratching their heads as to who would open the innings. With Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell and Bopara playing, the middle order looks pretty secure. Ajmal Shehzad is likely to play in the XI today in place of the injured Broad.

Bangladesh will be looking to get back their supporters rooting for them and the way that England have been performing this tournament, you can expect an entertaining afternoon of cricket.

Probable Teams:

England: Andrew Strauss (Captain), Matt Prior (Wicketkeeper), Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Eoin Morgan, Michael Yardy, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Ajmal Shehzad.

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Junnaid Siddique, Imrul Kayes, Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rehman (Wicketkeeper), Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Suhrawadi Shuvo, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain.

Live Telecast: Star Cricket (14:30 Local Time, 9:00 GMT)

Tags: Bangladesh, Cricket, England, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, Live Telecast, Match Preview, Star Cricket, World Cup 2011