After a successful ODI series in Mirpur, where Bangladesh took full advantage of playing at home against the West Indies, the Tigers are gearing up for a new challenge against the same opponents today. This time, they will face off in the T20 format in Chattogram, a venue that provides a more neutral ground for both teams.
With just about four months remaining before the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh has a total of six T20Is on their schedule – three against the West Indies and three against Ireland. Skipper Litton Das expressed his desire for these matches to be highly competitive.
“I want our players to face tough challenges in these two series,” Litton mentioned during the pre-match press conference ahead of the West Indies series and the upcoming home series against Ireland. He emphasized the importance of bowlers being put under pressure while bowling, believing it will benefit the team in the upcoming World Cup.
Having won their last four T20I series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Afghanistan, Bangladesh aims to extend their winning streak to five series with a victory over the Windies. The decision to move away from relying solely on home advantage to maintain a winning momentum is a notable shift in strategy by the team management.
Following the ODI series win against the West Indies, where Bangladesh faced criticism for exploiting the slow, spinning Mirpur pitch tailored to their strengths, both teams are now in Chattogram for a three-match T20I series. Interestingly, the West Indies have never played a T20I in Chattogram before.
Although the Caribbean side has previously played three T20I series in Bangladesh, winning the last one in 2018, they are unfamiliar with the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, the venue for this series. However, some West Indies players have experience at the ground through Test matches and ODIs, as well as competing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Chattogram is known for offering one of the best batting surfaces in the country, with recent statistics showing a higher average run rate in T20 matches compared to other venues like Sylhet. Bangladesh, ranked ninth in T20Is, faces a challenging test against the West Indies, positioned three spots higher, especially if the pitch in Chattogram favors true and even play.
With Litton’s return from injury and Bangladesh’s strong recent form in T20 cricket, the hosts are considered favorites going into the series. However, they will need to be at the top of their game against the former T20 World Champions.