Bangladesh v England, 3rd ODI, Preview: Stakes high as England take on Bangladesh in series decider

The 2^nd ODI between Bangladesh and England was a dramatic turnout of events. Bangladesh emerged victorious by 34 runs and leveled the series 1-1. England had a modest total to chase in the match. The top order crumbled and the middle order failed to deliver. This was very much in contrast to the first ODI when England showed complete domination. More than the game that was played on the field, it was the drama on the field that caught the attention.

Altercations between players after Jos Buttler’s dismissal and the post match shoulder barging between Ben Stokes and Tamim Iqbal took the limelight. All of this has only added excitement for the series decider. The emotions would be soaring high as England will take on Bangladesh in the final ODI at Chittagong. The psychological game and the war of words has already begun. A high intensity and adrenaline pumping game is on the cards. Bangladesh will look to consolidate their formidable home run in front of the local crowds.

Team News

Bangladesh

After having beaten the likes of India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Afghanistan at home, Bangladesh have clearly proved that they are no longer the pushovers in international cricket. They are keen on continuing the winning streak against England now. The top order has been among the runs. Imrul Kayes struck a brilliant century in the first ODI and Shakib Al Hasan scored a well compiled 79. Mahmadullah’s brisk 75 gave impetus to the Bangladesh innings in the second game. However, the batting unit hasn’t clicked as a unit.

The biggest positive for the hosts has been the performance of skipper Mashrafe Mortaza. Mortaza’s 44 off 29 balls, backed up by a four-wicket haul set the tone for Bangladesh win in the 2^nd ODI. The bowling department looked weak in the first outing but came up with a better show in the next. Comeback man Taskin Ahmed has been among the wickets but failed to control the leak flow. This would bother the Bangladeshi camp for sure.

England

The English openers are yet to make a mark on the tour. Jason Roy has shown glimpses of what he is capable of doing but hasn’t got a big score. Skipper Jos Buttler has been in a great touch and been leading from the front. England are likely to be fielding the same squad for the decider. England coach Trevor Bayliss recently quoted that they know they cannot take the opposition for granted. The batsmen have got going in the tour with the top order getting runs in either of the ODIs.

Jake Ball has been a value addition in the bowling department and Ben Duckett a key addition in the middle order. England will hope for the newcomers to deliver. All-rounder Ben Stokes will be under the limelight. He already has a century to his name in the series. He is expected to be all pumped up after the altercations he had in the 2^nd ODI.

Form guide (Most recent first)

Bangladesh: WLWLW
England: LWLWW

Probable XI

England: Jason Roy, James Vince, Ben Duckett, Johnny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Jake Ball.

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Nasir Hossain, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Mosaddek Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Taskin Ahmed.

Match Details: 

Venue: Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

Time: 14:00 local (0830 GMT)

Telecast: Star Sports 4

Stats:

• Tamim Iqbal has scored 4,948 runs and needs another 38 runs to become the first Bangladesh player to reach the 5,000 runs milestone.
• Steve Finn has taken 98 wickets and needs 2 more to reach the 100 wickets milestone.
• Mashrafe Mortaza’s 44 off 29 balls was his first score in excess of 40 in the last 8 years.
• Mortaza’s 4-wicket haul was his second 4-wicket haul after his 4/38 against India in ICC World Cup 2007.