Zakir returns as Bangladesh eye series survival — who makes the XI?

As Bangladesh prepare for the second T20 international against the West Indies in Chattogram, the hosts find themselves in a familiar position — battling inconsistency with the bat and clinging to hopes of keeping the series alive. The Tigers, having lost the opening match by 16 runs, must win today to avoid yet another home series defeat.

Batting Woes Continue Across Formats

Bangladesh’s most persistent concern in recent years has been the fragility of their batting order. Regardless of the format — Test, ODI, or T20 — the team has struggled to find a reliable batting combination. The issue has been most pronounced in ODIs, where top-order collapses and an overreliance on a handful of players have become all too common.

Although Bangladesh clinched their last ODI series against the West Indies by 2–1, the performance exposed the team’s lack of depth in batting. That inconsistency has now spilled over into the T20 format. In the opening T20 at Chattogram, Bangladesh faltered in pursuit of a modest target, with their leading run-scorer being pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib, a player primarily known for his bowling rather than his batting.

Such performances have once again ignited debate among supporters and analysts about Bangladesh’s overdependence on senior players and the absence of young, consistent finishers.

Selection Shake-Up Expected

To revive their chances in the series, Bangladesh are set to reshuffle their playing XI. Reports from the team camp suggest that Shamim Patwary, who has endured a poor run of form, will make way for Zakir Ali Anik, marking his return to the side. Zakir’s inclusion is seen as an attempt to bolster the middle order with fresh intent and stability.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Taskin Ahmed is likely to be rested following a heavy workload, with Shoriful Islam expected to return to the pace attack. The left-armer’s ability to extract bounce and movement could prove valuable on a pitch traditionally known for aiding seamers early on.

The team’s strategy in today’s match is clear — tighten the batting unit, capitalise on powerplay overs, and avoid the mid-innings collapses that have repeatedly cost them matches.

Head-to-Head Record

Since their first meeting in 2007, Bangladesh and West Indies have developed a competitive rivalry in T20 internationals.

The figures show a narrow edge for the Caribbean side, though Bangladesh’s victories have largely come on home soil, where spin-friendly conditions often suit their style of play. The West Indies, however, have shown greater adaptability in recent encounters, thanks to their power hitters and all-round depth.

Probable XIs

Context and Stakes

For the West Indies, today’s encounter presents a chance to seal the series after their ODI disappointment earlier this month, when Bangladesh triumphed 2–1. The Caribbean side, known for their explosive batting, will be eager to impose themselves early, with skipper Rovman Powell and veteran Jason Holder expected to lead from the front.

For Bangladesh, this is not merely a match — it’s a test of resilience and character. The Tigers’ fans in Chattogram have witnessed many spirited comebacks in the past, most memorably during the 2018 tri-series final where Bangladesh stunned Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in back-to-back matches.

A win today would not only level the T20 series but also restore confidence ahead of the forthcoming Test fixtures. But for that to happen, Bangladesh’s batters must finally find the composure and consistency they have long lacked.

With the series on the line, all eyes will be on Zakir Ali’s return and whether Bangladesh’s reshuffled lineup can withstand the West Indian pace and power. The Chattogram crowd, famous for its energy and optimism, will be hoping that this time the Tigers roar — not collapse.