T20 World Cup 2021: Strongest Bangladesh Predicted Playing XI against South Africa

Nothing has gone right for Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2021. Coming into the mega event, Mahmudullah was the most successful skipper for the Tigers in the 20-overs format. Moreover, having beaten Australia and New Zealand at home, they were expected to come out all guns blazing.

Instead, the team has lost all three of their matches and are placed at the bottom of the table. Moreover, the team has endured a couple of body blows. To start with, Mohammad Saifuddin was ruled out due to a back problem and Rubel Hossain was included in the squad from the reserves.

To rub salt into the wounds, Shakib Al Hasan’s campaign has also come to a close due to a hamstring injury. It will need something spectacular from Bangladesh to make a comeback against South Africa in their next game on Tuesday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Here is Bangladesh’s predicted Playing XI for SA vs BAN Match:

Openers- Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Naim

Mohammad Naim has been fairly decent for the Tigers at the top of the order. The left-hander has scored 148 runs from five games at an average of 29.60 and a strike rate of 113.84. Having scored two half-centuries, it’s unlikely that he will be excluded from the out-of-form batting lineup.

Liton Das’ inconsistency at the top prompted the management to bring back the left-handed Soumya Sarkar. Although he batted in the middle-order last time, he might be the opener in the next game. Soumya can play the big shots, but hasn’t quite been able to convert his talent into substance.

Middle-Order- Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain Dhrubo 

Liton Das scored 44 while batting at No.3 against the West Indies, although he couldn’t take his team over the finishing line. Hence, the team management may not alter his batting position. Mushfiqur Rahim has scored 143 runs at an average of 28.60, but has looked far from his very best in the event.

Mahmudullah Riyad is currently the leading run-scorer for the Tigers, having notched 150 runs at an average of 37.50 and a strike rate of 132.74. Afif Hossain Dhrubo has loads of talent on his shoulders, but he is yet to strike form with the bat. He can also roll his arms over in the hour of need.

All-rounders- Mahedi Hasan

Mahedi Hasan started his campaign in the World Cup with a stupendous performance against Scotland in Al Amerat. The off-spinner picked up three wickets, albeit his efforts went in vain. He hasn’t had much to do with the bat, but his utility with the willow can’t be undermined. Mahedi has to fire on all cylinders and get back to his best for Bangladesh to make a comeback next time.

Bowlers- Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed

Nasum Ahmed, initially, came into the team after replacing Taskin Ahmed in the eleven. The tweaker picked up three wickets, but leaked runs at an economy of 9.42. Thereafter, he was left out of the eleven for the game against the Caribbean team and Taskin was drafted back into the side.

Since Shakib isn’t a part of the team anymore, Nasum may again be slotted back into the eleven. Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam and Taskin are expected to form the pace bowling trio. Among the pacers, Mustafizur has been their standout performer, having picked up eight wickets.