A necessary change in approach

Bangladesh usually target a score of around 270-280 in ODIs and while that has worked for them in the past, the ODI World Cup in India will see sporting wickets and the need for change in approach will be necessary.

The ODI team for the Ireland series featured a few changes and the fresh approach from batters saw them reach their highest ODI score. If a fresh approach is needed, Bangladesh showed they are moving in the right direction.

Bangladesh had lost Tamim Iqbal early and Liton Das, although he got a good start, departed too. The ball was bouncing a little high on occasion and Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan rebuilt the innings. The Tigers were 81 for three in the 17th over when Shanto too departed.

Often, the innings have slowed down in the middle overs, but Shakib and Towhid Hridoy had other ideas.

During the half-way point of Bangladesh's innings, Shakib appeared to be trying to force the issue by taking some risks. It seemed pretty early for that so soon after doing recovery work, but Shakib had gotten a feel of the pitch at that point and recognised the need for a big score.

Meanwhile, Hridoy was pushing for ones and twos to push the run-rate. After his fifty, Shakib slapped Curtis Campher straight down the ground to signal his aggressive intent. Shakib followed it up with five fours off a Harry Tector over to show his class and nous in understanding when to hit.

However, he departed without completing his ton, edging one to the wicketkeeper after scoring an 89-ball 93 following a 135-run stand with Hridoy.

Mushfiqur Rahim came in at number six and was in full flow very early on, smashing Campher for six. Along with Hridoy, the Tigers again dominated proceedings during an 80-run stand off just 49 deliveries.

At one point, Bangladesh were on course to post 350 but both were dismissed in the 46th over. The acceleration in the 30 to 45-over mark still allowed Yasir Ali and others to help post 338 for eight.

It might have been that change in approach that was needed in ODIs and it led to a convincing win against Ireland yesterday. If the Tigers are to make a big case for themselves in the upcoming World Cup, that approach will be necessary.