SWOT Study of Bangladesh National Team for the 2022 SA vs BAN ODI Series

Bangladesh selectors picked five genuine pacers in the team for the SA vs BAN ODI Series 2022, given that South Africa's conditions were conducive to faster bowlers. Three real spinners are also added to give the bowling line-up some variety. Besides, all of the senior players would be available for Bangladesh during the tour. The matches will take place on March 18, 20, and 23. 

Bangladesh’s ODI squad for the bilateral series: 

Tamim Iqbal (captain), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Yasir Ali, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Khaled Ahmed.  

Read Shakib Al Hasan in for South Africa tour

Strength

Bangladesh's main advantage in the series will be having all of the senior members. The team will need experienced players in a difficult condition in South Africa. Their experience might make a difference, allowing Bangladesh to maintain its position in the One-Day International competition. Bangladesh have a terrible track record in South Africa. They haven't won a match against the Proteas in any format in South Africa. 

Top Bangladeshi performers in South Africa (Active players)

Mushfiqur Rahim: 181 runs in 5 innings (HS: 110*); 

Shakib Al Hasan: 165 runs in 5 innings (HS: 63)

Rubel Hossain: 5 wickets in 3 innings (BBI: 4/62) 

Shakib Al Hasan: 4 wickets in 5 innings (BBI: 2/48)  

Read SA vs BAN Series 2022: ODI Records, Fixtures, Venue Stats, Players to Watch

Weakness

Bangladesh's biggest issue can be its inability to adjust to bouncy pitches. Except for the senior members, the majority of the players do not have much experience batting on hard surfaces. This might be a significant setback for Bangladesh since South Africa have some really world-class pacers capable of causing havoc to any batting order in the world. Batting coach Jamie Siddons must instill his views in the young players in order to perform better on those surfaces.

Opportunity 

Tamim Iqbal will get a chance to show off his true potential as a captain throughout this series. His leadership capabilities and ability to adapt as a skipper based on the conditions will be revealed during the series. Tamim has yet to win a big series as a captain, so this might be a perfect opportunity for him to earn the trust of the BCB, selectors, and players. Furthermore, if Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Yasir Ali, and Nasum Ahmed are given the opportunity to play, they should take the contest seriously in order to secure their spot in the limited-overs lineups. 

Read: 2022 BCB Central Contract: Players List

Threat

One of the main worries for the Bangladesh national team throughout the series might be finding an ideal playing XI. In most cases, the Bangladesh team management prefers to use two genuine spinners in the playing XI. They also add one slower bowler to the squad if the surface has extra spin. However, selecting a perfect XI for Bangladesh would be difficult against South Africa. Because the Proteas aren't known for their ability to counter spin, though the surfaces will favor quick bowlers. 

Bangladesh would most likely go with three genuine pacers due to the nature of the pitches. However, the quicker bowlers must be highly accurate in order to put pressure on the Proteas batters. Batting orders for Afif Hossain and Yasir Ali might pose a risk. They must be utilized properly to achieve the best outcomes from them.

Read Allan Donald: What Can Bangladesh Cricket Expect From Their New Pace Bowling Coach?

Probable playing XI

Top Order: Tamim Iqbal (captain), Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Middle-Orders: Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Yasir Ali, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Lower-Order: Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam  

Bottom Line

Bangladesh will be driven to do well in the next ODI series in South Africa because it is a part of the ICC World Cup Super League. Winning a game will boost their Super League points, allowing them to maintain the current No. 1 position in the standings. Therefore, the Bangladesh team must do a detailed SWOT analysis in order to play better against a strong Proteas national team. Bangladesh can outperform South Africa in the SA vs BAN ODI Series 2022 by playing to their strengths and on-field implementation of the game plan. 

 Read BAN vs AFG Series 2022: Performance Analysis of Bangladesh Cricket Team