Bangladesh have opted to take first use of a worn Chattogram surface in the third and final T20I, hoping an early foothold can prevent an Australian whitewash. Captain Towhid Hridoy confirmed at the toss that three alterations had been made to the XI beaten twice in as many outings this week.
Out go Soumya Sarkar, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain and the rested Mustafizur Rahman; in come left-arm quick Shoriful Islam, the fit-again Taskin Ahmed and senior wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan. The reshuffle is as much about fresh legs as it is a last-ditch search for a winning formula, Hridoy suggested.
Australia, already two-nil up, see no reason to tinker. Mitchell Marsh again leads an unchanged side, content that the balance of pace, spin and middle-order power has held up on slow pitches.
‘On the whole, for the white-ball groups, it’s been a reasonably tough tour. Coming to these places with a fairly inexperienced side always provides you with different challenges and experiences. So, yeah, we are really keen to finish off with a win before everyone gets home,’ Marsh said at training on Friday. It is a straightforward brief: finish the job, pocket the series 3–0, and head for the airport.
Key facts
• Bangladesh won the toss and will bat.
• Three home changes: Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nurul Hasan in.
• Mustafizur Rahman rested; Soumya Sarkar, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain left out.
• Australia unchanged for the third match running.
Line-ups
Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon (wk), Towhid Hridoy (capt), Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Josh Inglis (wk), Cooper Connolly, Matt Renshaw, Tim David, Nikhil Chaudhary, Joel Davies, Aaron Hardie, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.
Early assessment
Choosing to bat is hardly radical, yet Bangladesh have previously chased in similar conditions and come unstuck once the surface tired. Taskin and Shoriful, both capable of reversing the old ball, may benefit later if a defendable total – think 160 on this ground – can be posted.
Australia’s formula is simpler. The visitors back their quicks, notably the skiddy Nathan Ellis, to strike up front, leaving Adam Zampa to apply the squeeze. Should the hosts creep past 150, Tim David’s boundary-hitting remains the insurance policy.
Either way, a Bangladesh victory would not alter the series result, but it would restore a measure of confidence before the Asia Cup. For Australia, a sweep would cap a demanding sub-continental campaign and strengthen the case for several fringe players ahead of next year’s World T20.
First ball is due at 14.00 local time, with humidity the only weather concern.
