Another turnaround needed

After a fine performance in the first ODI, Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza (L) was left to rue familiar errors in Wednesday's second match, which included the non-performance of juniors Sabbir Rahman and Mosaddek Hossain (R). PHOTO: AFP

Despite regaining some confidence by winning the first ODI after the disastrous Test series defeat against West Indies, the visitors will once again feel the pressure after Bangladesh snatched a three-run defeat from the jaws of victory in the second game to level the series.

Bangladesh will have to overcome the mental barrier to seal their third ODI series win against the West Indies -- and the second in West Indies -- as the two sides face off in the third and series deciding ODI at Warner Park in St Kitts today. The day game is scheduled to start from 7:30pm Bangladesh time.

There were contrasting performances in the first and second ODIs as, despite remaining on top of the game and needing just eight off the last six balls to successfully chase West Indies' 271 all out, Bangladesh fell prey to the errors that have haunted the Tigers quite often in the past and ended up on the losing side.

It was the seniors once again who provided the platform with first-ODI centurion Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan taking charge after Anamul Haque smashed a quick 23 off nine balls as the Tigers reached 71 for one after the first seven overs.

Both Tamim and Shakib scored fifties but were guilty of throwing their wickets away in quick succession at a crucial moment when the batting side required some stability.

Mahmudullah Riyad will be cursing himself over his run-out when he, along with Mushfiqur Rahim, had done all the hard work to bring the equation down to 40 off the last five overs.

Mushfiqur once again departed in the last over when Bangladesh required eight runs after the former captain had scored a sensible 67-ball 68.

But the biggest concern for the Tigers is the performance of the junior members of the side, who are yet to step up. Sabbir Rahman once again failed to prove his worth -- the hard-hitting batsman offered a catch at deep mid-wicket from a Keemo Paul full toss after missing out on dispatching two similar deliveries earlier in the innings.

Mosaddek Hossain also could not grab the opportunity. Wafting at thin air and playing out two dot balls after Mushfiqur's departure does not reflect his ability as a batsman.

Bangladesh also need to work on the bowling and fielding department which cost the Tigers badly. Shakib dropped centurion Shimron Hetmyer on 79 and the Tigers were made to pay as the youngster struck 46 runs off the next 21 balls he faced.

Pacer Rubel Hossain did pick up three wickets but was the most expensive, giving away 61 runs from his nine overs. The experienced bowler went for 22 runs in his last over -- reminiscent of the infamous penultimate over in the Nidahas Trophy final against India in March.

West Indies on the other hand will be much more confident after the win, with skipper Jason Holder's bowling in the last over when he managed to defend seven runs sure to pump up his charges.

Left-hander Hetmyer has been in terrific form, following up his excellent half-century from the first match with a 93-ball 125 -- the second ODI hundred for the 21-year-old.

Another positive for the home side would be the pitch at St Kitts which is expected to provide assistance to West Indies seamers and their big hitters. Bangladesh are aware of that as Shakib stated before the second game that they would ideally want to ensure the series in Guyana.