Left is right for Bangladesh

Bangladesh's emphatic six-wicket victory over the Netherlands justified packing the side with left-handers, captain Shakib Al Hasan said on Monday.

"It worked today against the Dutch, but that does not mean it will work all the time," Shakib said after the co-hosts won to remain in contention for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Bangladesh played a third left-arm spinner in Suhrawadi Shuvo to partner Abdur Razzak and Shakib himself, dropping consistent off-break bowler Naeem Islam.

The home team also included Shahriar Nafees to bat at number four in place of right-hander Raqibul Hasan, which meant the top five batsmen were all left-handers.

"Naeem bowled well in the previous games but we decided to bring in Shuvo because the Dutch side had a lot of right-handers and they would find it difficult to play left-arm spin," the captain said.

Plan

"Playing Nafees was not part of any left-hand plan. We gave him a chance because Raqibul was not getting runs.

"It is just a coincidence that our top order was left-handed. But since that is what is being talked about, let me tell you that there were two more lefties lower down the order in Razzak and Shuvo." The Dutch were shot out for 160 in 46.2 overs after electing to take first strike on the slow wicket, a target Bangladesh surpassed in the 42nd over with left-handed Imrul Kayes making 73 not out.

Bangladesh's three left-arm spinners shared five of the six wickets to fall to bowlers, with Razzak leading the way with 3-29 in 10 steady overs. Shakib and Shuvo claimed one wicket apiece. Bangladesh join the West Indies and South Africa on six points, one behind Group B leaders India and a point ahead of England, with four teams qualifying for the knockout round. CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh, Tuesday (AFP)