‘Missing set batter’ haunts Tigers in opener

Bangladesh's batting frailties resurfaced once again as they fell 16 runs short against the West Indies in the opening T20I of the three-match series in Chattogram yesterday. Despite a promising start with the ball, their top-order collapse turned a manageable chase into another frustrating defeat.

After West Indies captain Shai Hope chose to bat first, Bangladesh's bowlers kept control for most of the innings, restricting the visitors to 114 for three after 17 overs. However, the momentum shifted when Rovman Powell, marking his 100th T20I, powered an unbeaten 44 and forged a 46-ball 83-run partnership with Hope, guiding his side to a competitive 165 for three. The Tigers conceded 51 runs in the final three overs, a lapse that proved decisive.

Given Chattogram's reputation for even bounce and the added influence of dew, the chase appeared well within Bangladesh's reach at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium. But the top order faltered early, losing four wickets for just 42 runs inside the powerplay and slumping to 77 for six by the 12th over.

By then, Towhid Hridoy offered brief resistance with 28 off 25 balls, while opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim contributed 15, but poor shot selection once again undermined the innings.

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Needing 89 off the final eight overs, Bangladesh's lower order mounted a spirited fightback. Tanzim Hasan Sakib struck 33 off 27 balls, Nasum Ahmed added 20 off 13, and Mustafizur Rahman (11 not out) and Taskin Ahmed (10) chipped in late runs before the innings ended at 149 in 19.4 overs.

The loss again highlighted Bangladesh's recurring shortcoming: the failure of their top order to anchor an innings. A single set batter might have made the difference, as acknowledged by the opposition.

"If one of Bangladesh's main batters had stayed at the crease for longer, we would've been under pressure because it was very wet in the end," said Powell in the post-match press conference, further praising his bowlers for "sticking to their plans" despite the dew.

Bangladesh pacer Tanzim Sakib, who was expensive with the ball (0-47) but nearly turned hero with the bat, echoed the same view.

"Of course, when the dew started to fall, the ball came on to the bat more easily. If we had one set batsman at that stage, the game would've been much easier," Sakib said.

"In the last couple of overs, a settled batsman always keeps the game in hand.

"We lost four wickets in the powerplay. Even if it had been two, the chase could still have been managed," he added.

The defeat leaves Bangladesh in danger of losing their first T20I series after four consecutive wins, with the remaining two matches scheduled for October 29 and 31. Their next outing in Chattogram will test their ability to respond to pressure with the bat -- a department that continues to hold them back despite steady progress in other areas.