We are almost midway in the ongoing Cricket World Cup, and things are just about beginning to take shape beautifully.
Although the scheduling of tournament has attracted plenty of flak over the past week with most of the matches being washed out, things are bound to get interesting going forward.
A win for South Africa over Afghanistan has not only pushed the latter to the brink of elimination but has also still kept the Proteas in the hunt for a playoff spot.
In an earlier game, England thrashed West Indies to strengthen their position in the top-four whereas Bangladesh had to stay content in splitting points with Sri Lanka.
Lying in the bottom half of the table, the Caribbean team and the Asian Tigers will have an opportunity to get back into the race for the playoffs.
While the winner would possibly move into the top-half, things will get rather tricky for the one ending up on the wrong side of the result.
The match between the two sides will be played on 17th June at The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton.
Each game is of vital importance in this tournament, and with both teams struggling to get points under their belt, it’s going to be an exciting contest.
When: Monday June 17, 2019. 10.30am Local Time.
Where: County Ground, Taunton.
What to expect: After last week’s horrendous wet weather, things are supposed to be picking up in the next few days. The forecast for Taunton is set to be dry although expecting to see some sun might be pushing it. The surface, as it was for the previous two matches at the ground, is expected to offer something for the faster men but the short boundaries will still encourage the batsmen.
Bangladesh
Mushfiqur Rahim suffered a blow in the nets while batting on Saturday but an x-ray showed no fracture so he is expected to play. If he doesn’t, Liton Das will keep-wicket. According to bowling coach Courtney Walsh, fast-bowler Rubel Hossain has been trucking well in the nets and could come into contention given the expected surface in Taunton. That could mean Mehidy Hasan misses out.
Possible XI: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Musfhiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun. Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Rubel Hossain, Mushrafe Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman.
West Indies
Throughout the tournament, Andre Russell’s knees have been a constant cause of concern for West Indies and it will be touch and go whether he is fit enough to play. Given the importance of the game, they will do everything they can to get him on the pitch but he may not get through that much bowling. Ashley Nurse, left out of the game against England, could come back into contention, perhaps for Shannon Gabriel.
Possible XI: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmeyer, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas.
Did You Know
Shai Hope averages a dizzying 94.57 against Bangladesh in ODIs. He has three hundreds and three fifties in nine ODIs, aggregating a total of 662 runs.
Bangladesh’s spinners have taken 10 wickets in the World Cup so far, the most by any team, while West Indies’ spinners have claimed none.
Teams:
Bangladesh Team: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Liton Das, Sabbir Rahman, Abu Jayed
West Indies Team: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope(w), Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder(c), Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Shannon Gabriel, Ashley Nurse, Darren Bravo, Fabian Allen, Kemar Roach
