Agency :
After a disappointing performance by the bowlers in the ODI series against West Indies, Bangladesh is gearing up for a fresh start in the three-match T20 series starting tomorrow. Despite posting competitive totals in the ODIs, the bowlers failed to defend them, leaving Bangladesh with a 3-0 series defeat.
In the first ODI, Bangladesh’s 294 runs proved insufficient as the West Indies chased it down with 14 balls to spare. The second ODI saw a modest total of 227, while the third match highlighted the bowlers’ struggles as West Indies chased 321 with 25 balls in hand.
However, opener Soumya Sarkar remains optimistic about the bowlers’ comeback in the T20 format. Speaking to the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s social media platform, Soumya expressed confidence.
“Our bowlers have been performing well consistently. They struggled in the ODI series, but I believe they will bounce back in the T20s. If our batsmen can maintain their form and the bowlers step up, we can have a successful tournament” Soumya said.
Soumya, who struggled in the first two ODIs with scores of 19 and 2, regained form in the third match with a 73-run knock off 73 balls. His recent stint in the Global Super League, where he scored 188 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 142.42, including an 86-run knock in the final, earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
West Indies, ranked fourth in the ICC T20 rankings, are favorites against ninth-ranked Bangladesh. Playing on Caribbean soil adds to the hosts’ advantage. However, Soumya believes the outcome will depend on who plays better over the 40 overs.
“It’s not about big or small teams. The team that plays all 40 overs better will win. If we excel in batting, bowling, and fielding, we can beat them comfortably,” he remarked.
The T20 series will be held at Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent, with matches scheduled for December 16, 18, and 20. Bangladesh will look to turn their fortunes around and end the tour on a high note.
