Expectations
Once considered underdogs, Bangladesh appear to have deciphered the ODI puzzle and have become one of the most accomplished teams in this format over the past few years. To put it into perspective, since 2020, only India have secured more victories in ODI cricket than Bangladesh.
Although their recent performances may not be stellar – including losses to New Zealand and Afghanistan, as well as an early exit from the Asia Cup’s Super Fours stage – it’s crucial to note that in subcontinental conditions, few teams can truly challenge Bangladesh when they are in top form. However, given the current uncertainties around the team combination, Bangladesh are likely to finish in the bottom half of the table.
Where they finished last time
Shakib Al Hasan had a memorable 2019 World Cup with bat and ball (606 runs and 11 wickets), but others failed to deliver the goods in England. Bangladesh finished eighth in the points table with just three wins and five defeats from their nine matches in the showpiece event. Don’t be surprised if that’s the case this time around as well.
Strengths and weaknesses
Shakib is arguably Bangladesh’s biggest strength with both bat and ball. The experienced all-rounder, playing his final ODI World Cup, would look to end on a high, which makes him a dangerous customer in the mega event. In familiar conditions, Shakib’s left-arm orthodox spin and skilful batting could be a thread that binds the entire team through the tournament.
Injuries: Tamim Iqbal (back) and Ebadot Hossain (knee) are out of team while Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s hamstring is a major concern for Bangladesh. The Bangla Tigers could even miss their skipper for the opener against Afghanistan, as Shakib deals with a heel injury suffered while playing football ahead of their first warm-up match against Sri Lanka.
Star turn
Who else other than Shakib? Playing his last ODI World Cup, the star all-rounder would be looking for a fairytale ending by taking Bangladesh to perhaps a semi-final finish? Will it be possible? Can Bangladesh’s best all-rounder of all time do the unthinkable? Only time will tell.
New kid on the block
Watch out for Towhid Hridoy. He recently became the first Bangladeshi player to score 500 ODI runs in his first year of international cricket. If he can get going, then his skill-set against spin bowling could come really handy in an otherwise fragile batting unit.
Where they should finish
Bottom half, if we are being honest. The off-field controversy involving Shakib and Tamil wasn’t ideal for the team or its environment, and that could hamper Bangladesh ‘s start tp the tournament. Also, injuries to couple of crucial players could really dent their chances, at least in the first half of the tournament.
Match schedule
vs Afghanistan – 7 October, Dharamsala
vs England – 10 October, Dharamsala
vs New Zealand – 14 October, Chennai
vs India – 19 October, Pune
vs South Africa – 24 October, Mumbai
vs Netherlands – 28 October, Kolkata
vs Pakistan – 31 October, Kolkata
vs Sri Lanka – 6 November, Delhi
vs Australia – 11 November, Pune
Full squad
Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Najmul Hossain Shanto (vc), Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzid Hasan, Tanzim Hasan, Mahmudullah
Likely First-choice XI
Litton Das, Tanzim Sakib, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman