From being the underdogs in their early years, Bangladesh has evolved into a force to be reckoned with in world cricket. Their maiden World Cup appearance in 1999 gave glimpses of their potential, but it was in the subsequent editions that they truly announced their arrival, recording some memorable upsets. The iconic wins against top teams have not only carved memorable World Cup moments but also established them as formidable opponents.
Cricket, for Bangladesh, isn't just a sport - it's an emotion that binds millions. Their journey in the 2015 World Cup, where they reached the quarterfinals, stands testimony to their growing stature. 2019 saw them playing competitive cricket, although they couldn't advance to the knockout stages. The combination of experienced stalwarts and exuberant youth in the squad ensures they have the firepower to challenge the best.
As the curtains rise for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, Bangladesh looks set and ready. The subcontinent conditions resonate closely with their home turf, which might just give them the edge. A mixture of seasoned warriors like Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, combined with the zest of the newer brigade, forms the core of this team. With previous setbacks serving as lessons, Bangladesh eyes a deeper run in this edition.
The world waits in anticipation. Will this be the year the Tigers roar louder than ever before? As the tournament progresses, every run scored, and wicket taken by Bangladesh will resonate with the dreams and aspirations of millions back home. Here’s a detailed look at the players in Bangladesh’s squad and their World Cup journeys so far.
Embarking on his fifth World Cup, Shakib Al Hasan stands as a colossus not just within the Bangladesh team but also in the global cricket arena. With an experience of 29 World Cup matches, he's scored 1146 runs, showcasing consistency at an average of 45.84 and a robust strike rate of 82.27. His ability to craft both fifties and centuries is evident with his 10 fifties and 2 hundreds. The 2019 edition saw Shakib in scintillating form, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer by amassing a whopping 606 runs in just 8 matches. But Shakib is not just about his batting skills. His bowling has also fetched him 34 wickets at an average of 35.94. His best figures of 5/29 underline his capability to turn matches on their head. As the 2023 World Cup unfolds, Shakib stands as Bangladesh's ray of hope, a seasoned warrior ready to weave magic once again.
Set to make his World Cup debut, Najmul Hossain is a mix of talent and ambition. His bat has spoken volumes in the ODIs, and as he is on the brink of crossing the significant 1000 run milestone, the World Cup stage could not be more opportune for this feat. Each stroke he plays will not just be an addition to his tally but proof of his growing stature in international cricket. Balancing the pressures and privileges of vice-captaincy, Hossain will be ready to embark on a journey where each innings is a potential narrative of Bangladesh's cricketing future.
Liton Das, gearing up for his second World Cup appearance, has already imprinted memories from his previous stint. With an impressive 184 runs from just 5 matches in the last edition, he showcased an appetite for big scores, averaging a commendable 46.00 and striking at an explosive rate of 110.18. His bat has the flair of crafting gritty fifties, with one already under his World Cup belt. As he stands on the threshold of 2500 ODI runs, the 2023 World Cup platform presents a golden opportunity for Liton to cross this landmark. Eyes will be keenly following this top-order batsman as he prepares to dazzle on the world stage once again.
Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, set to play in his fifth World Cup has played 29 matches in the tournament, scoring 877 runs at an average of 38.13, and a strike rate of 79.44. His skills to convert starts into substantial scores is marked by his six fifties and a memorable century, with a top score of an unbeaten 102. But Mushfiqur's contributions aren't just limited to his batting. Behind the stumps, he's been a linchpin for the team, producing seven stumpings and pouching 21 catches. As the 2023 World Cup unfolds, Mushfiqur stands as a stalwart, ready to script tales of brilliance with both the bat and the gloves, upholding Bangladesh's hopes and aspirations.
Heading into his fourth World Cup, Mahmudullah is a pillar of strength for Bangladesh. Over 17 World Cup matches, he's notched 616 runs at an average of 51.33. He's not just about steadiness, with his strike rate of 81.59 indicating his attacking instincts. Notably, he's smashed two fifties and two hundreds, with a standout unbeaten score of 128. Besides his batting heroics, Mahmudullah chips in with his bowling, having taken four wickets. As the 2023 World Cup kicks off, Mahmudullah will be a key player to watch for Bangladesh, bringing both his experience and form to the fore.
Stepping into his second World Cup, Mehidy Hasan Miraz carries a weight of expectations, matured by experience. In the seven World Cup outings he's been a part of, he's notched up 37 runs at a strike rate of 112.12 and an average is a modest 12.33. But it's with the ball where he's truly made his mark. His tally of six wickets might seem modest, but with an economy of 5.09, he's ensured he keeps things tight. With the experience he's gathered since the last edition, Mehidy is poised to be a pivotal player for Bangladesh in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, contributing both with the bat and the ball
Returning for his second World Cup stint, Taskin Ahmed brings with him memories of his 2015 exploits. During that edition, over six matches, he showcased his bowling skills by clinching nine crucial wickets, with an average of 36.11. Although his economy hovered at 6.37, he managed to produce match-defining spells, with his best figures being an impressive 3/43. As the 2023 World Cup unfolds, Taskin will be eager to better his past performance and be a linchpin for Bangladesh's bowling department.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim
An explosive opening batsman, Tanzid Hasan Tamim's style resonates with the youthfulness of the modern game. Having shown promise in the junior circuits, his aggressive yet controlled approach makes him a significant asset at the top. While he's adept at taking on the new ball, Tanzid's ability to convert starts into big scores is what sets him apart. His debut on such a global platform as the World Cup will test his mettle and resilience against top-tier bowlers.
Towhid Hridoy
Dubbed as one of the future mainstays of Bangladesh cricket, Towhid Hridoy's technique is a mix of classical and modern batting. Capable of switching gears as per the match situation, Hridoy is a crucial middle-order batsman. His exploits in the U-19 World Cup showcased his talent, with his capability to anchor an innings or provide a late surge, making him versatile and dependable.
Nasum Ahmed
A classic left-arm spinner, Nasum Ahmed's craft is about precision and flight. His primary weapon is the deception in the air, luring batsmen into false shots. Playing in the subcontinent, his role becomes even more crucial, given the spin-friendly conditions. While relatively new, his knack for breaking partnerships might be a game-changer for Bangladesh in the middle overs.
Shak Mahedi Hasan
An emerging all-rounder, Shak Mahedi Hasan's dual skills offer balance to the team. While his off-spin is about accuracy and extracting turn, he's equally proficient with the bat, particularly during the death overs. Having showcased his skills in domestic leagues, this World Cup will be his litmus test against international stalwarts.
A prodigy from Bangladesh's pace-bowling reservoir, Shoriful Islam's height gives him an advantage to extract extra bounce. His raw pace, combined with the ability to swing the ball early on, makes him a potential threat. With his left-arm angle, he adds variety to the attack, and his spells in the powerplay could set the tone for the match.
A seam bowler with a knack for picking up crucial wickets, Hasan Mahmud has climbed the ranks quickly in the domestic circuit. With the ability to move the ball both ways and hit the deck hard, he can be a thorn in the opposition's side. His performances in the lead-up to the World Cup have shown promise, and he'll be looking to replicate that on the biggest stage.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib
A promising young pacer, Tanzim Hasan Sakib brings with him a fresh burst of energy and pace to the Bangladesh bowling lineup. His ability to extract bounce and seam the ball along with his raw pace, makes him a notable weapon in the early overs. While he has shown his mettle in domestic circuits, the World Cup will be his grand stage to demonstrate his skills against top international batsmen. His youthful exuberance and fearless approach will be vital for Bangladesh in making early inroads into the opposition's batting order.Top of Form
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