The cricketers underperformed there was a lack of intent, drive, and hunger to win. The Bangladesh team’s key players captain Liton Das, middle-order batters Towhid Hridoy, Zaker Ali Anik, and Shamim Patwary failed to deliver when it mattered most. On top of that, fast bowlers Shariful Islam and Tanzim Hasan Sakib were wayward with their bowling. Despite putting up a decent total of 205 runs, the Tigers couldn’t defend it.
Additionally, there were noticeable shortcomings in team planning and selection. Veteran coach Khaled Mahmud Sujon, one of Bangladesh’s most experienced mentors, pointed out the lack of foresight in selecting the playing XI.
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s 2-1 T20 series defeat to the UAE, Sujon suggested that poor judgment by the team management played a role in the outcome.
“I won’t say there wasn’t planning. Of course there was. But planning only works when it’s executed properly. That clearly didn’t happen,” Sujon said. “I believe we didn’t do enough homework on the UAE. Their key batting strengths are captain Mohammad Wasim and Asif Khan, both right-handers.”
He continued, “The UAE’s batting lineup is deep. To counter that, we should have used a left-arm spinner. Especially since Wasim and Asif are experienced and dangerous once set they can take the game away quickly. We should have had a bowler who could make things difficult for them.”
Sujon particularly mentioned Tanvir Islam, who wasn’t picked after a poor first game. “Yes, Tanvir didn’t do well in the first match. But that doesn’t mean he should have been dropped entirely. A left-arm spinner like him might have been able to contain Wasim and Asif. It could’ve made a difference.”
Notably, Bangladesh pacer Shariful Islam dismissed UAE captain Wasim twice in the series showing that the right match-up strategy can work.