Bangladesh are set to begin their Asia Cup campaign on 11 September against Hong Kong, with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka also in their Group B widely labelled the “group of death.” The Tigers arrive with confidence after three successive series wins, but their opening game will be crucial in determining how far they can progress.
Pakistan’s former captain Misbah-ul-Haq believes Bangladesh’s biggest asset lies in their bowling line-up. Speaking on the television programme Game on Hai ahead of the Hong Kong clash, Misbah highlighted the variety and form of the attack.
“Looking at their team recently, it seems their biggest plus point is the bowling line-up,” he said. “Mustafizur Rahman is one of the best in white-ball cricket. With the new ball, in the middle overs, or at the death, his slower deliveries and yorkers are brilliant. Taskin Ahmed is in form and takes wickets with the new ball, and Shoriful Islam is also bowling really well. Before, they didn’t have a leg-spinner, but now Rishad Hossain provides wickets in the middle overs. They also have all-rounder Mahedi Hasan who bats well and his bowling is excellent.”
While impressed with the bowlers, Misbah argued that Bangladesh’s batting is not as strong as it once was. He pointed to the absence of proven senior figures such as Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad and Tamim Iqbal, who previously anchored the side’s batting for years.
“At the top, they have to depend a lot on Liton Das or Tamzid Hossain,” Misbah explained. “But their batting isn’t like before anymore. At one time, they had five or six batters making consistent contributions. Back then the bowling wasn’t that strong. Now it’s the opposite. The bowling is better, but the batting depends on two or three players. If they perform, they can trouble any team.”
Misbah was particularly critical of Parvez Hossain Emon, questioning his lack of consistency despite showing flashes of ability. The left-hander has registered one century and two fifties in 19 matches but averages just 22 with a strike rate of 137.
“Parvez Hossain Emon, after playing 19 matches, has one hundred and two fifties, but still there is no consistency,” Misbah said. “When a player has those scores, then his average should be at least 30 or more.”
