The 2015 Cricket World Cup has already begun with high profile encounters and renewed rivalries keeping the fans and spectators spellbound. The underdog teams have already shown their surprise element and given us that ‘DAYUM’ moment with Ireland defeating the West Indies and Sri Lanka suffering a shock defeat to a lowly Zimbabwe. Don’t worry Lanka fans, it was only a practice game but who saw that coming?
In this article, we will talk about one of the underdog teams, one that can surprise us all and their oppositions: Bangladesh or ‘The Tigers’ as their fans call them.
Current ODI ranking: 9th
Group: A
Captain: Masrafe Mortaza
Strength:
Spontaneity is their strongest weapon. Oppositions do the wrong of taking them lightly and then end up on the losing side.
They have a quality batting line-up with Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiq Rahim being their key players. They arguably have one of the best all-rounders in the 50 over format in Shakib al Hasan on whom they rely a lot. The Haque duo (Mominul and Anamul) has shown plenty of promise and they would be keen to deliver on this greatest stage of cricket.
Weakness:
The batting and the bowling department has not clicked together. Their main worry is their bowling department which is quite inexperienced. They will rely on their captain Mortaza to lead from the front but don’t have any other viable option. They have quality spinners but they may not be that effective on Australian pitches. Inconsistency and poor game plan are other concerns for the Bangladeshi Tigers.
Key players:
Shakib al Hasan is undoubtedly, the best player in their line-up. His all-round abilities would be crucial to Bangladesh’s success. Masrafe Mortaza, their captain, will be the spearhead for their lacklustre bowling department. Tamim Iqbal’s sturdy performances at the top will also be vital.
Fixtures:
(Group A)
| DATE | OPPOSITION | VENUE |
| Feb 18 | Afghanistan | Manuka Oval |
| Feb 21 | Australia | Brisbane |
| Feb 26 | Sri Lanka | MCG |
| Feb 27 | Scotland | Saxton Oval |
| March 9 | England | Adelaide Oval |
| March 13 | New Zealand | Seddon Park |
Conclusion:
Bangladesh has a lot to offer from their young stars. If they click at the crucial moments then the team will surely give the bigger teams a run for their money. (Beware!) They may be lowly ranked but on that day, anything can happen, such is the game of cricket. We still remember that heartache when they defeated India in 2007 WC and knocked them out of the championship. Unity and self-belief will be the key to their success.
By Yash Jain
