Bowlers key in Tigers’ ODI success

Even though Bangladesh are struggling to adapt to the longest and the shortest formats of the game, the Tigers continue to impress in the ODI format with a set template that has brought them success over the years.

Tamim Iqbal's side already lead their ongoing three-match series 1-0 after their comfortable six-wicket win over West Indies in the first ODI. And the visitors will be eyeing yet another ODI series win over the Windies when they meet in the second ODI in Guyana today.

A calculative approach in the format has made the ODIs the most preferred format for the Tigers over the years.

While a settled batting department might be pointed out as the secret behind the Tigers' success in the format, it, in fact, is their bowling unit that has often laid the platform for Bangladesh in ODIs.

It was left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam who led from the front in the first ODI, picking up four wickets as he unsettled the Windies' batting order with two double-wicket overs. Off-spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz also remained instrumental, bagging three wickets, as the Tigers eventually restricted West Indies to a small total.

While Shoriful and Miraz were rewarded for their efforts with wickets, the likes of Nasum Ahmed and Taskin Ahmed did their part silently. Nasum, on his debut, conceded only 16 in his eight overs that included three maidens as the left-arm spinner played a major role in keeping things tight. 

Like Nasum, right-arm quick Taskin also remained wicketless but still managed to impress. However, the only blemish in the bowling department was Mustafizur Rahman, who was unable to contribute according to his potential.

Despite being the most experienced bowler in the Tigers' lineup, Mustafizur hasn't been able to live up to expectations in recent times. The ace left-arm paceman could blame his luck as his figures of 34 for one in eight overs would have looked much better had he not seen two catches dropped off his bowling.

The team management will surely be expecting a lot more from Mustafizur in the coming days and the 'cutter master' would definitely want to reassume the leading role in the Tigers' pace unit.

Going back to the topic of bowling being the mantra for success for Bangladesh in ODIs, it is the way the Tigers have managed to control the middle overs of an innings that gave them edge over the opponents in recent years.

In fact, among the Test-playing nations, Bangladesh remain on top when it comes to economy rates in the middle overs in recent times. The Tigers maintained an economy rate of 4.57 from overs between 11 to 40 since 2019.

Even in the first ODI against the Windies, Bangladesh conceded just 84 runs from overs 8 to 33. They also managed to pick six wickets during this period while bowling as many as 161 dots in a 41-over-contest.

With the chance to seal the series, the Tigers' bowlers will once again be looking to lay the platform for the win in Guyana today.