Despite having cruised to a six-wicket victory against Afghanistan in their World Cup opener, Bangladesh will have their work cut out against a somewhat wounded England in Dharamshala today.

The opening pair's ability to deliver a decent start is still a concern for the Tigers after Liton Das and Tanzid Hasan both failed against Afghanistan while chasing a paltry target at the same venue.

While young Tanzid may be given the benefit of the doubt for being a newbie on the international circuit, the team management will undoubtedly be hoping for his experienced opening partner to fire soon.

Liton -- who had been a prolific run-getter for Bangladesh last year but only averages 23.40 in 18 games so far in 2023 -- sat out the Tigers' optional training session yesterday; possibly to focus on his mental game ahead of the high-voltage encounter against the defending champions.

That the stylish right-hander has been lacking in confidence was evident in his batting approach against the Afghans on Saturday. Eventually, he brought his downfall as he charged down the track to seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi, only to get an inside-edge which resulted in getting him bowled after a subdued 18-ball 13.

The Tigers team management, however, are keeping their faith in Liton intact. Bangladesh spin-bowling coach, Rangana Herath, is optimistic about the 28-year-old to bounce back strongly.

"Like Liton Das, everybody can go through a kind of a rough patch. So, the only thing is how you can come back strongly," Herath told the media yesterday.

Given the strength of the bowling unit in comparison to Afghanistan, the English pace unit, led by Mark Wood, Sam Curran, and Chris Woakes, will undoubtedly pose a stronger threat to the Bangladesh frontline batters.

England bat deep and, more often than not, stay in pole position to score big and at a brisk pace, irrespective of opponents. Herath stated the need for "proper partnerships" upfront -- similar to the 131-run stand by Liton (61) and Tanzid (84) against Sri Lanka in team's first and penultimate World Cup warm-up match -- that would lead to a big total against a side who began their title defence with a humbling defeat against New Zealand.

Liton's talent is undeniable, but his lack of consistency is something he would like to improve considerably. With plenty at stake for him and Bangladesh in the apex event, it is now or never for Liton to rise to the occasion with a statement knock and make his presence felt on the grandest stage; like he did against the West Indies in the 2019 edition.