Bangladesh bank on Taskin and Rubel's pace

MIRPUR (Dhaka): There was a certain intensity in the players as the Bangla 'Tigers' geared up in right earnest for the upcoming three-match ODI that gets under way on Thursday. No one epitomized it more than ODI captain Mashrafe Mortaza.
The senior pro, who was injured in a road accident earlier this month, batted in the nets with both his wrists heavily taped. He showed no signs of discomfort, though, even as he participated in fielding drills during which he was required to collect throws from fielders in the deep and effect mock run-outs.
Bangladesh have been a transformed side under Moratza's leadership. Though the all-rounder himself is no longer the force he was before he underwent a series of knee and ankle surgeries, he still has enough gas in the tank to lead the team's charge in limitedovers cricket.
Mortaza will be relying on his two pace spearheads - Rubel Hossain and Taskin Ahmed - to soften up the Indians before the spinners get into the act. Both the pacers have been very impressive in recent matches and had given Indian batsmen a torrid time in the World Cup quarterfinal at the MCG earlier this year.
Suresh Raina, a key member of India's ODI outfit, heaped praise on Taskin, whose wonderful exhibition of seam and swing bowling had floored India in an ODI last year.
"He (Taskin) bowled really well. They also have the likes of Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and many youngsters who are really doing well. We are looking forward to the series," Raina said.
"We're here to play cricket and we'll be focusing on our strengths. The team has been working really hard. We have one more practice session on Wednesday and hopefully we'll be all set for Thurs day's game," he added.
Taskin, on his part, felt that memories of that match against India will inspire him. "What happened last year is history. It will be a new start. We have to play much better. India are one of the best teams in the world. Their batting is very good in the subcontinent. Our pace bowlers have to bowl well," said Taskin, who is working hard on his fitness in order to play in all three formats of the game.
Bangladesh's first objective will be to win at least one of the three ODIs. If they do so, they will pip the West Indies to seventh spot in the ICC ODI team rankings and clinch automatic qualification for the 2017 Champions Trophy in England. However, if they are whitewashed by India 3-0, they will slip to ninth position and their qualification hopes will go up in smoke.
Mortaza's boys will therefore go all-out for victory, hoping to catch MS Dhoni's team on an off-day and get the result they want. It is a tough ask for Bangladesh as India are at full strength and can ill afford to slip up on what can best be described as a routine assignment.