ICC Champions Trophy 2017 | IND vs BAN: Five 'Bangla Tigers' who could spring up surprise against 'Men in Blue'

ICC Champions Trophy 2017 is a season of shockers and nobody could have ever imagined that Bangladesh would reach the semi-finals leaving behind big teams like New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Now, Bangladesh will have to face the defending champions India on Thursday before moving ahead to the finals.

Ahead of the semi-final match against India, we bring you the top five players of Bangladesh to watch out for.

Tamim Iqbal:

Tamim Iqbal is the leading run-scorer for Bangladesh in this year’s Champions Trophy with 233 runs in his pocket. He started this season with a bang by smashing 128 runs against England. In the second match, he again shocked everybody by scoring 95 runs against Australia. And as far as India is concerned, then they must not take him lightly as he is the man who played a big role in taking them out of the 2007 World Cup.

Mohammad Mahmudullah:

Mahmudullah’s this season is full of ups and downs. In the first match against England, he didn’t get much time in the middle and scored only 6 runs. His second innings against Australia was also not up to the mark as he got out for only 8 runs. But his skills got reflected in the crucial match against New Zealand where he scored magnificent unbeaten 102 runs which helped Bangladesh surpass the rival team’s 266-run target. He is an unpredictable player and India will have to take him seriously if they wish to beat Bangladesh in the semis.

Mushfiqur Rahman:

As far as Bangladesh’s bowling department is concerned, he can be the key player. However, in the current series, he has not been able to live up to his name. But his bowling figures against India can leave the latter in trouble. In his debut series against India, he took 13 wickets in 3 matches and helped his side win the series by 2-1. He was also awarded the ‘Player of the Series’ award. India must make a plan to tackle this Bangladeshi player ahead of the big clash.

Mashrafe Mortaza:

Mashrafe Mortaza is the leading bowler of the Bangladesh side. His presence in the middle is enough to put pressure on the opponent. The era which is considered to be the batsmen’s one, his economy will prove it wrong. He is having an economy under 6 in this year’s Champions Trophy. Although he has been able to take only one wicket in the current tournament but he is a player who can’t be ignored. He has proved himself a number of times on several occasions in the past.

Shakib Al Hasan:

Shakib Al Hasan is the best all-rounder in today’s era, who has grabbed the top spot in all the ICC formats leaving behind big names like Angelo Mathews, James Faulkner and Ben Stokes. Shakib scored a brilliant century when his side needed it the most. He made crucial 114 runs against New Zealand, which helped Bangladesh secure the semi-final birth.