How will Bangladesh solve the fifth bowler conundrum?
Bangladesh's Group B Asia Cup match against Afghanistan had almost slipped out of their hands for the absence of a fifth bowling option.
With only four specialist bowlers, the remaining four overs had to be bowled by two part-time spinners -- Shamim Hossain and Saif Hassan -- whose expensive bowling raised serious concerns.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Now, in today's Super Four clash against Sri Lanka, which path will the Tigers take?
After two days of rest and waiting, the Bangladesh team returned to training on Friday at the ICC Academy ground in Dubai. Since their arrival in the UAE, this was only the second time they had had such a long practice session.
In this practice, special focus was given to the spinners. Alongside Rishad Hossain and Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan was also very active. After bowling for a long time, the all-rounder also batted toward the end, preparing himself fully.
As the Dubai International Cricket Stadium has a reputation for being spin-friendly, every team feels the urge to field an extra spinner here.
If Bangladesh opts for that, the name that comes forward is Mahedi. Including him in the XI would give captain Litton Das five specialist bowlers in hand.
But if Mahedi comes into the XI, one batter will have to be dropped. The big question is, who will it be? In the middle order, Tawhid Hridoy has been out of form. Before each group-stage game, doubts arose about his place, yet the team kept faith in him. So far, he has not repaid that trust.
If Hridoy is left out of the No. 4 spot, someone else will have to be pushed up to that position. But should Jaker Ali or Nurul Hasan Sohan be promoted that high is also under debate.
Sohan, given a chance against Afghanistan, didn't get many balls to face, though he contributed with an important run-out in the field. Jaker struggled in the slog overs but still has the edge thanks to his performances in recent months. In that case, Mehedi might play in Sohan's place.
Unless an injury issue arises, the four bowlers from the previous game -- Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum and Rishad -- should retain their places. There is also no reason to change the opening pair. Even though Saif did not score briskly, he played a part in building a 63-run partnership with Tanzid Hasan Tamim.
The match against Sri Lanka will kick off the Super Four phase, and it will begin at 8:30 pm Bangladesh time.
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