Bangladesh kept their hopes of reaching the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup alive with a tense eight-run victory over Afghanistan in a must-win encounter. However, their qualification still hangs in the balance, with their fate dependent on the outcome of the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan match.
While supporters and analysts have begun dissecting the various permutations, the narrow win did little to silence criticism regarding Bangladesh’s performance. Former Pakistan internationals Misbah-ul-Haq and Shoaib Malik were particularly outspoken, highlighting tactical missteps, poor finishing, and the lack of a genuine fifth bowling option.
Bangladesh started brightly after winning the toss, reaching 87 for 1 after 10 overs thanks to a strong opening partnership. However, the innings faltered late on, with the team posting just 154 runs after a lackluster finish.
Much of the criticism centered on Jaker Ali Anik, who scored a sluggish 12 from 13 deliveries, including five dot balls in the final two overs. Misbah was unimpressed, labelling the failure to connect with the ball in crucial moments as “criminal”.
“Alright, maybe Jaker could not hit big shots, but it is criminal to keep missing deliveries over three overs. Slow balls are going straight to the keeper, fuller balls are being missed too. As a finisher, you want to go big, but you have to at least connect. Even a single can be taken if you place the ball. If you are completely beaten, that is one thing, but when there is neither effort nor result, it is unacceptable,” Misbah said.
Shoaib Malik pointed out a technical flaw in Jaker’s batting, observing that he favours one side of the field and struggles with deliveries outside the off stump.
“If Jaker thinks he can keep scoring by playing just one part of the field, that will not work. Bowlers targeted him outside off, and even though he was set in the final overs, he could not connect. That indicates a problem. You have to adapt and use the whole field,” Malik said.
He added that Jaker needs to be more aware of opposition analysis and evolve as a player.
“Analysts are watching. Bowlers plan for you. You cannot rely only on mid-wicket. You must start playing towards cover as well. As a finisher, you have to be versatile.”
Bangladesh’s use of Shamim Hossain and Saif Hassan to fill the fifth bowler’s role also drew sharp criticism, with the pair conceding 55 runs in their combined four overs.
Malik was blunt in his assessment: “They are not fifth bowlers. They are seventh or eighth options. You cannot even call Saif a proper batting all-rounder. Neither of them can be trusted in that role.”
Misbah echoed the sentiment: “Those four overs are crucial, and today they conceded 55 runs again. Afghanistan could not take full advantage, but if two set batters had been there, it would have been much worse.”
