Top-order batting biggest concern

It is no wonder why Anamul Haque is not Kumar Sangakkara.  The Bangladesh opener was gifted as many chances as the Sri Lankan maestro during the two team's respective innings. However, the end result was very different. While Sangakkara made most of those early chances to score an unbeaten 76-ball 105, the Bangladesh opener huffed and puffed to 29 before being dismissed. His technique was severely tested throughout his innings, which was ended by a run-out.

While Anamul's technique was found wanting, the other opener, Tamim Iqbal looked hopelessly out of form – giving the Bangladesh team management much to worry about, going into next matches.    

Bangladesh's bowling effort will also raise few question marks. Apart from Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, the other pacers lacked bite and discipline. Bowling coach Heath Streak would need to get the message through to the young pacers that only generating pace will not be enough to be successful; rather they will need to bowl at the right spots.

However, the main concern must be the batting, and top order batting in particular if Bangladesh are to qualify for the quarterfinals. Former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam emphasised on the need for an improved performance from the top order in the next matches.

"Having watched the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka match, my observation is that Bangladesh team was not focused on their job. I have also serious doubts whether they had any proper plan regarding this match. I could not understand why Shakib (Al Hasan) and Mushfiqur (Rahim) – the two top batsmen – were given were sent at number six and seven," questioned Aminul, who currently lives in Melbourne.

"I think Bangladesh are short of one opener and it was a mistake from the selectors. Anamul looked totally out of touch while Tamim too struggled. But you don't have an extra opener. So, the team management should think seriously about the top order. Even hundreds were scored by Scotland and UAE batsmen, but unfortunately no one from our team could do it. Someone in the top order should play a big knock, otherwise it's very tough to survive," added the first Bangladeshi Test centurion.

The work is cut out for coach Chandika Hathurusingha. The quicker he fixes the top-order malaise, the better it will be for Bangladesh's campaign in this World Cup.