ICC World Cup 2019: Match 23, Windies vs Bangladesh, Preview – Both teams eye to bounce back after massive losses against England

Windies and Bangladesh might have started off the tournament on a decent note. But, they have drifted away slightly in their last few games and languish in the second half of the points table. Both these sides have won one game out of four and lost two thus far. One of their matches was washed out due to rain. While they both have got three points each, they are differentiated by the Net Run Rate and Windies are placed slightly higher.

A win at this stage of the tournament is highly critical. They can’t afford a few more losses as that would potentially have them out of the semifinal race. While they have played some highly competitive cricket in the tournament, both these sides were absolutely blown away when they faced England in their respective previous completed game. They will want to get over these disappointing defeats and will push hard for another two points under their belt.

Playing Combinations

Windies

Even though Evin Lewis has been inconsistent in the tournament, Windies must persist with him. Darren Bravo hasn’t been in the best of form and is not likely to make it into the eleven. A lot relies upon the way Chris Gayle fares in this game for the Windies. The veteran cricketer has failed to make the best use of the starts that he’s been getting. Shai Hope will also be important and must look to score runs at a better pace.

While Jason Holder, Andre Russell and Carlos Brathwaite are expected to be the all-rounders, Oshane Thomas, Shannon Gabriel and Sheldon Cottrell will be the three frontline pacers. Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer must look to do a better job in the middle order.

Probable XI

Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (wk), Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder (c), Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Oshane Thomas, Shannon Gabriel, Sheldon Cottrell

Bangladesh

Bangladesh has got a few decisions to make ahead of the next game. The opening combination hasn’t really succeeded but will get more opportunities. They will look to take a call between Mohammad Mithun and Sabbir Rahman. The former hasn’t really succeeded thus far in the tournament. Also, the management might consider an opportunity to Rubel Hossain in place of Mohammad Saifuddin who has faltered under pressure so far in the tournament.

Probable XI

Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Mithun/Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin/Rubel Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Mustafizur Rahman

Focus will be on

Andre Russell (Windies)

Andre Russell has looked to swing at everything thus far in the tournament. He still seems to be in a T20 mode and hasn’t really adapted to the situation of the game. Thus, he should look to do a better job and play according to the situation of the game. With the ball, the all-rounder has been doing a fair job and will have a critical role to play.

Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)

Tamim Iqbal is one of the senior-most batsmen in the Bangladesh line-up and was expected to play a big role in the tournament. However, he failed to live up to the expectations thus far. The left-hander has often got out near scores of 20 and has to perform better and provide his team with a good start. A lot of eyes will be watching him keenly during the next game and the fans will want him to do well.

Head to head

Matches played – 37 | Windies won – 21 | Bangladesh won – 14 | No Result – 2

Stat Attack

Shai Hope vs Bangladesh in ODIs: 9 innings, 662 runs, 94.57 avg, 3 centuries, 3 fifties

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports

Online– Hotstar

Match Timings – 15:00 IST; 10:30 local