BAN vs ENG, 1st ODI: Match Preview, Prediction, Probable XI, Fantasy Tips
Bangladesh ahead of the first ODI [Twitter]
England cricket is blessed to have two strong teams at the moment. One has just finished their Test tour of New Zealand, while the other is gearing up for a riveting white-ball series against Bangladesh, starting on March 1.
Purely on paper, England seem to be the heavy favourites, but if you have a closer look at the recent performances, Bangladesh have a great chance to seal the deal against the Englishmen.
Post the T20 World Cup in Australia, nothing has gone right for the Jos Buttler led England side. They were drubbed by Australia in their own backyard, and then South Africa humiliated them in the ODI series earlier this month.
Few notable inclusions have been made in the England side. Teenage sensation, Rehan Ahmed, who performed exceedingly well in the Pakistan Test series, has made it into the ODI squad for the upcoming tour.
Another player, who has done well for England Lions and for his County side - Tom Abell, got his maiden international call-up, but withdrew from the tour due to an injury. Will Jacks has replaced him in the squad.
After back-to-back series losses, England will be aiming to get back on track, especially with the World Cup just around the corner.
On the other hand, Bangladesh are a force to reckon at home. Recently, they defeated India 2-1 in the ODI series, and have the confidence to take down any opposition. The pitches suit their style of play and the spinners will come into play throughout the tour.
Tamim Iqbal is back in the ODI side, and that'll boost the confidence of the Bangladesh side. He last played for the Tigers in August 2022, but the batting core will become stronger due to his mere presence.
Date and Time: March 1, 11:30 AM IST
Venue: Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium Mirpur, Dhaka
Live Streaming: FanCode
Pitch Report
If you go by the true nature of the pitches in Bangladesh, it'll be slow and low and will assist the spinners. The ball won't come onto the bat properly and the batters will have to toil hard for runs. Don't be surprised if the majority of the overs are being bowled by the spinners.
Probable XI
ENG: Jason Roy, Phil Salt, Dawid Malan, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes/Reece Topley
BAN: Tamim Iqbal, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Taijul Islam.
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-keepers: Jos Buttler, Litton Das
Batters: Tamim Iqbal, Dawid Malan, Afif Hossain
All-rounders: Shakib Al Hasan, Moeen Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Bowlers: Mark Wood, Taskin Ahmed, Adil Rashid
Captain: Litton Das
Vice-Captain: Adil Rashid
Prediction
If this game was played in England, then the Buttler-led side would have been the overwhelming favourites, but in Bangladesh spinning conditions, the home team will clearly start as the one to win the opening ODI.