How Bangladesh's long batting drought is increasing the danger

Bangladesh's woeful batting performance against a weak New Zealand in the first ODI of the three-match series has left the Bangladesh team in a state of disarray. Neither team had a practice session on Saturday. If they fail to bounce back in the second match tomorrow, the hosts will lose the series. There is no other option but to improve their batting to make a comeback.

Bangladesh's ODI batting woes have become clear with the inaction of Liton Das, Afif Hossain and Nazmul Hossain Shanto. Liton scored 46 runs in the first ODI against New Zealand, but this is his highest score in the last 18 innings. He has not scored a fifty in ODIs since the 2023 World Cup; his average during this period is just 18.43. Afif Hossain's condition is equally disappointing. He has not scored a fifty in 17 consecutive innings, with an average of just 15.46. He stopped the momentum of the innings by scoring 29 runs off 49 balls in the first match. Nazmul Hossain Shanto is also walking on a path of failure. He has not scored a half-century in 13 consecutive innings. His average is 14.92. He is not able to meet the team's expectations by batting at the important number three position.

Towhid Hridoy is somewhat consistent but is not able to play big innings. He has scored five fifties in the last 11 innings but has not been able to cross 60. Tanjid Hasan and Saif Hasan have done well at times but are not consistent. Captain Mehedi Hasan Miraj is also not able to contribute with the bat.

Overall, the team's chances of winning are decreasing due to the abysmal failure of the three top-order batsmen. This ugly weakness in batting has become a big concern for Bangladesh. However, the members of the selectors feel that those who have been trusted should be given more time.