Liton prioritises lower-order batting depth to boost T20 strike rates

Speaking ahead of the series against New Zealand in Chattogram, Litton said adopting an attacking mindset at the top of the order inevitably leads to early wickets.

To sustain that aggression without triggering batting collapses, he said the team must rely on consistent run production from its tailenders and bowling all-rounders.

Litton identified spin bowlers Sheikh Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, and Rishad Hossain as essential to this strategy. He said creating a healthy batting order depends heavily on their ability to contribute lower-order runs.

"Large teams have batting depth up to number nine," Litton said. "If we can create that depth, our top batsmen will be able to play games more freely."

The captain added that the team's pace bowlers are also expected to contribute at the crease. He noted that alongside established bowling all-rounders like Mohammad Saifuddin and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, the team is grooming newcomer Saklayen Sajib to strengthen the lower-middle order.

Litton said if the lower-order bowlers can add even five or six runs each, it resolves a significant vulnerability. 

As part of the effort to restructure the batting depth, Litton confirmed that Parvez Hossain Emon will be moved from his usual spot in the top order to play in the middle order during the upcoming matches. 

While Litton expects the top order to elevate its overall strike rate during the current World Cup cycle, he said management will not place excessive pressure on the batters during the initial games against New Zealand, allowing them time to adjust to the format, reports UNB.