West Indies vs Bangladesh: A must-win for both the teams

Will it be too soon to tag the matches ‘must-win’, also when the group stages haven’t reach an end? West Indies will take on Bangladesh in County Ground, Taunton on Monday (June 17) at 3 PM IST. A victory in this match is the only way for both the teams to keep their semi-finals hopes alive. Even if a team loses, which it will, there is a chance of winning the next four games and still making it to the semis failing which they’ll have to go back home.

Both the teams have already lost two of their games and even suffered washouts, which means a defeat at this stage would mean facing the death cricket where every game becomes crucial.

Also read: World Cup jinx remains as India beat Pakistan by 89 runs

Bangladesh and West Indies are yet to face the World Cup favourites India who is going very strong with three consecutive wins. However, Bangladesh facing Australia and West Indies battling it out with New Zealand – who sits on top of the points table – wouldn’t be an easy task. The teams started off by pushing stronger teams to defeat and gave tough competition, eventually taking a disappointing dip.

After facing wet weather, things might pick up pace this week as the forecast for Taunton is predicted to be dry with a little sun here and there. Shorter boundaries may help the batsmen, however, the pitch seems to be a seamers dream.

Bangladesh

Mushfiqur Rahim suffered a blow in the nets while batting on Saturday but an x-ray showed no fracture so he is expected to play. If he doesn’t, Liton Das will keep-wicket. According to bowling coach Courtney Walsh, fast-bowler Rubel Hossain has been trucking well in the nets and could come into contention given the expected surface in Taunton. That could mean Mehidy Hasan missing out.

Probable XI: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Musfhiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun. Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Rubel Hossain, Mushrafe Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman.

Also read: Bhuvneshwar ruled out of next 2-3 games due to hamstring niggle: Kohli

West Indies

Throughout the tournament, Andre Russell’s knee injury has been a cause of concern for the team and it’s not clear if he will be fit to play today’s game or not. Looking at how crucial a win in this match is, they will do all they can to get him in the team. Also, Ashley Nurse can make a comeback today for replacing Shannon Gabriel.

Probable XI: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmeyer, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas.