Bangladesh News

The country is set for an emotional ride when the Kitply Cup tri-nation one-day cricket series kicks off at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today with Bangladesh taking on Pakistan in the opening match.

The only concern is that rain, a common phenomenon at this time of year, might defuse the excitement which promises to be aplenty during the weeklong meet with the involvement of India as the third team.

The weather forecast for today is light to moderate rain or thundershowers, but the country’s home of cricket with a developed drainage system promises its first full 50-over match under magnificent lights even in case of a sudden spell of shower.

For Bangladesh, as it has been the case, it will be a promise to bring rare smile on the faces of millions and of course throwing a fresh Tiger into the deep end against a team whom they have defeated only once way back in 1999.

Pace bowler Dollar Mahmud is all set to make his international debut in the day-night affair, which starts at 3pm with state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) and satellite channels NEO Cricket and GEO beaming live coverage from the big bowl.

While the Tigers will try to put an end to their disappointing performance, Pakistan will want to forget the recent sad episode involving their premier fast bowler Mohammad Asif, who is still languishing in Dubai airport’s detention centre, to stretch their eleven-match winning record.

Pakistan swept the five-match one-day series at home against Mohammad Ashraful’s men in April and they will be happy to learn that Shakib Al Hasan, who made a sparkling half-century followed by a hundred during that tour, will miss the tri-series for his HSC examinations.

Besides, Bangladesh will also miss the services of experienced batsman Aftab Ahmed due to injury.

Bangladesh yesterday named a 12-member team for the first match leaving out Mehrab Hossain and Nazimuddin only to confirm that they would go against their traditional policy of ‘enhancing the batting as much as possible’.

There is a chance to see three pacers in the team as Shahadat Hossain has been considered ahead of all-rounder Forhad Reza to share the new ball with Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Dollar, the Khulna paceman who got the nod after impressive performance with the under-19 team and in the domestic circuit, coming in as first change.

Middle-order batsman Alok Kapali will also make his international comeback after two years while wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim will reclaim his place behind the stumps in the shorter-version after missing the last three series against South Africa, Ireland and Pakistan.