http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 – 1st ODI – Match Preview
After a nail biting victory in the One-off T20, the Bengali Tigers will look to maintain their winning ways when they meet the West Indies in the first One Day International which will be played at the Shere Bangla Stadium, Mirpur, tomorrow, October 13, 2011.
It was a perfect start to the reigns of new skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mushfiqur-Rahim-c2045, whose brisk knock of 41 (which included a second last ball six) remained the difference, helping the side to a memorable win. The captain held his nerves well after a disappointing show from the middle-order.
However, credit must be given to the Bangladeshi bowlers, who http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Adrian-Roger-Kirshaw-Pierson-c42135 to their task well, restricting their opponents to a mediocre total. The win has certainly lifted everyone and even the packed stadium erupted when their new captain put the finishing touch to the game in emphatic fashion.
Despite a heroic win, the side is flatter to deceive and the skipper now has a important task of ensuring that his side continues to perform throughout the series.
Their first assignment will be to adapt swiftly to the 50-over game, a format where the team has underperformed lately, including the 2011 World Cup, along with the subsequent series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Zimbabwe-c3045.
The eyes will again be pinned on their skipper, not because of his batting accolades rather for his leadership qualities, and how he goes along managing the side, and motivating them to deliver on a regular basis. The key for them will their bowling attack as their opponents found it difficult to to bat on slow turning pitches.
Apart from the late heroics, the batting line up needs to take up more responsibility in the remaining matches- a notion which will be high on http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Stuart-Grant-Law-c91460’s ( their coach) team talks.
After seeing the spinners do well, the team will be regretting not play their star leg-spinner, Devendra Bishoo. The player has been their star performer throughout the year and his omission has baffled many, so his name is likely to be the first one on the team sheet, come the start of the one-dayers.
Apart from http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DM-Bravo-c1386 will now need to step up and prove their mettle in order to offer the team stability.
The return of all-rounder, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KA-Pollard-c1754 to the middle-order will be a big boost for the side and his power-hitting later in the innings will be crucial in the coming matches.
It is a precarious position for skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DJG-Sammy-c1382, who is a vocal and inspirational leader but is yet to justify his place in the team. His bowling comes off most of the time; however, his batting is a lot to be desired. He for one will be looking to improve on his individual performances, which so far has been nothing more than ordinary.
As for the pitch, it will offer the slow bowlers plenty of opportunity to take wickets since both teams is currently short of players with perfect techniques. However, with Bangladesh registering a win, they will certainly have the support of their home fans, which can work in their favour in causing another upset.
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