Bangladesh Cricket Team’s next big endeavor is on the horizon. After four long years, ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is back again in the one-day format to decide the champions of world cricket. A total of 10 teams will be participating in ICC World Cup 2023, which will be hosted by India, starting from October 5, 2023.
Bangladesh Cricket Team had a remarkable journey in the super league and successfully managed to not only qualify directly to the main stage but also stood 3rd in the super league ranking just below New Zealand & mighty England. With the form the Tigers are in we can expect great results in the upcoming World Cup.
Exceptional Changes In Recent Team Performance
The Bangladesh cricket team is currently experiencing a golden period. Ever since Chandika Hathurusingha joined the team, they have been performing exceptionally well. One noticeable aspect of the current team is the players’ mentality – they are now playing more aggressively instead of defensively. It’s evident that they have a clear goal in mind, which is to ‘WIN or WIN’
During the last Ban vs Eng series, we could observe the winning mentality and differences in performance blooming magically. Though the Bangladesh cricket team lost the three-match one-day series against mighty England by 2-1, They still managed to win the last game which was unexpected but not impossible as everything clicked in that match and they returned with a blow of the hammer, winning the T20 series by WHITEWASHING (or what they say, Banglawash) the England team!
Undoubtedly, the improvement in the pace bowling unit has been remarkable, thanks to the legendary Allan Anthony Donald. In the past, the Bangladesh cricket team struggled with the lack of quality fast bowlers and relied heavily on spinners. However, with Donald’s assistance, they now boast a world-class pace unit featuring Taskin, Mustafiz, Hasan, Ebadot, and Shoriful. These players have become the backbone of Bangladesh’s bowling in modern times.
Bangladesh Cricket Team’s Vision And Mission
Bangladesh cricket team is now focusing more on their world cup 2023 and Asia Cup mission, for this they are keeping their key players like Taskin Ahmed as much as fit and playable as possible. The president of the board of directors of BCB, Nazmul Hassan Papon is now more determined to get the best out of the team and told the media featured in The Daily Star, “I want to give something to Bangladesh Cricket before I go” (The Daily Star- June 17, 2023)
The number 1 all-rounder in the world is more determined and he isn’t limiting his world cup journey to quarter finals or the semis as he simply wants to win the tournament as it’s going to be the last world cup of his career. It’s definitely not an easy task as the Bangladesh cricket team never won a major trophy before so many people might get this as a joke.
But judging from the mentality of the players, it’s clearly not a daydream and they are determined to win the trophy for the first time ever. If the recent team can clear their way to the semis, it’s not a daydream to hope for the final stage. At least the team is not only hoping but preparing for the best outcome.
Ground Conditions And Possibilities
With India hosting the tournament, there is a high chance that the Bangladesh cricket team may encounter similar field conditions that the players are used to. India has several stadiums that favor spinners, which could serve as an advantage for Bangladesh’s spinners Miraj, Nasum, Taijul, and Shakib. Considering the circumstances, BD may consider having an additional spinner in their squad. However, if the pitch has grass, pacers could also play a crucial role.
Bangladesh Cricket Team’s Biggest Chance At Glory
Bangladesh cricket team boasts an impressive bowling unit, featuring skilled pacers and spinners. However, the team’s batting performance has remained lackluster. Captain Tamim Iqbal has just announced his retirement today, and the question of who will play in the number 7 position remains unanswered. Despite these challenges, Bangladesh has performed brilliantly against Ireland, Afghanistan, and England.
This is the last world cup for many senior players like Shakib, Mushfiq, and Mahmudullah. After their retirement, we are going to face emptiness for a long time that’s for sure. We are nowhere near receiving a better balanced and experienced team which we have currently now. So, it’s safe to say, this is the biggest opportunity for Bangladesh Cricket Team to gift something special to the country for the first time. Though it’s still a dream, but who knows?!
Probable WC Squad
The world cup squad of the Bangladesh Cricket Team hasn’t been announced yet. The upcoming Asia Cup squad would give us the idea of the world cup squad as it is final there won’t be many changes in the squad. In my eyes, Bangladesh might play with the listed squad below:
1. Liton Kumar Das (WK): Once a subject of troll, LKD has now emerged to a new level, gifting much-needed runs on the board for the team. Though he’s also facing issues with his performance in the last couple of games, this man is still dangerous to the opposition at any time.
2. Najmul Hossain Shanto: Another highly trolled player Shanto has now become ‘Oshanto’ and has clearly become the new Mr Dependable of the batting side. He kept his head cool and scored runs on the board in the past couple of series like a responsible player and this man is sure to make an appearance in the team
3. Tawhid Hridoy: The new glamour of BD batting side, He appeared with wonderful stylish batting in the squad and fixed his place like a king. He can hit boundaries like it’s a walk in the park.
4. Shakib Al Hasan: The number 1 all-rounder is the key player for the squad, he can deliver what the team needs and can be the turning point of any match.
5. Mushfiqur Rahim (WK): Even though our Captain Fantastic lost his form, at least our Mr dependable was stubborn enough not to give up and got his form back. And he is hungry to win matches.
6. Mahmudullah Riyad: Our finisher is having a tough time lately, has been out of the squad for a long time and struggling to get back in form. However, he still is an experienced player for the team and he can deliver undoubtedly. He is a proven player and finisher on whom we can depend at any crucial moment but still, because of his form he’s not fixed in the squad.
7. Mehidy Hasan Miraz: The upcoming Shakib Al Hasan? He proved himself with his performance against India ODI series that he can change the flow of a losing match and win.
8. Taskin Ahmed: Currently the best pacer of the Bangladesh Cricket Team, constantly delivering good performances in every outing.
9. Hasan Mahmud: Oh boy, this lad claims to not celebrate wickets as he says the batters would be sad. But this innocent and calm bowler still takes their wickets like an expert causing ultimate frustration for the batsmen.
10. Mustafizur Rahman: The cutter master, back with his newfound form is now on fire. He now has new abilities and bowling skills which can turn the flow of the match instantly.
11. Rony Talukdar/ Naim Sheikh: These two can be an alternative for the spots of openers.
12. Afif Hossain Dhrubo / Soumya Sarkar: Competitors for the 7th place in the team.
14. Ebadot Hossain/Shoriful Islam: If they want to play with 4 pacers, Ebadot or Shoriful will be in the playing XI instantly.
15. Taijul Islam/ Nasum Ahmed: If the condition asks for spinners, Nasum and Taijul could be a turning point for the team where Nasum has an advantage as he can bat well too.
With that squad, I think the Bangladesh Cricket Team has a real chance of winning the ICC World Cup 2023. As for the fans, we are hoping for glory for our beloved cricket team and to enjoy the tag of World Champion. On another note, do check out my news article on Squid Game Season 2 cast reveal!
