New Delhi:
It makes a little differencence- Bangladesh losing their first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 to England. But the way they played- especially batted - shows the tough character the Asian team has got.
Putting a total plus 300 in English conditions against the hosts tells the story of the long journey they have travelled. Bangladesh have never managed to make it past the league stage in their three prior attempts.
The team last participated in the 2006 addition of the Champions trophy held in India where the side was knocked out of the qualifying round after losing to Sri Lanka and West Indies.
A little difference, the defeat against England had made is that their chances to go past the league stage have faded a bit.
Bangladesh will now have to face even tougher Australia and New Zealand. One more defeat and all their hopes will be crushed. But the way they have played against England will give them a little more confidence, a little more hope.
Their batting is in form, they have good quality pacers and a formidable spin bowling attack led by Shakib-ul-Hasan. Also, the Bangladeshi captain Mortaza is not a bad leader, he is experienced and have the zeal to go past any challenge.
Also, Bangladesh has done well to shed the 'small team' tag. They now need to learn "how to defeat big teams in big tournaments?" And the ICC Champions Trophy is the right time to show what they have got.
Key Players:
Tamim Iqbal: We all saw how he slightly missed the glory of a winning century in the opening match against England.
The Bangladeshi opener has got the right technique, balanced aggression and required temperament. After the defeat against England, he would be more hungry for big runs and could be even more dangerous.
Mushfiqur Rahim: One of the finest batsmen of Bangladesh. He plays in all the three formats of Cricket and looking in good touch with the bat.
Shakib-ul-Hasan: One of the finest cricketers Bangladesh have ever produced, Shakib is world's best all rounder. He is the man with the ability to hit every bowler out of the park. He is a very good spin bowler and would be a key player seeing the fact that Kiwis and Australians struggle playing against Asian spinners.
Mashrafe Mortaza: One of the most experienced players of Bangladesh, the skipper is hitting the deck well with red cherry. With the fine pace of 135 kmph, Mortaza also has the ability to swing the ball both ways. In English conditions, where the pitches favour fast bowlers more, he can create trouble for the batsmen.
Mustafizur Rahman: The young pacer is one of the best bowlers in the world cricket. His leg cutters are still very hard to pick for any batsman. He will be the key player for Bangladesh against New Zealand and Australia.
Complete squad: Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Somya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehdi Hasan, Sunzamul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam
Upcoming Matches: June 5 v Australia, The Oval; June 9 v New Zealand, Cardiff
Past record in Champions Trophy: Yet to reach the knockouts.
Most runs: Shahriar Nafees (166)
Most wickets: Mohammad Rafique (6)
