Tigers look to make an impact

So good has Bangladesh been they sit ahead of both the Windies and Pakistan for 2019 World Cup qualification, but now it’s time for a big result, namely a semi-final berth, to truly show its improvement. 

Shakib al Hasan is officially the No.1 allrounder in Test, ODI and T20 cricket, according to the International Cricket Council’s player rankings. A deceptive left-arm spinner and classy left-handed batsman, Shakib is the centre point of Bangladesh across both disciplines. Throw in the 30-year-old’s vast experience – he’s played over 270 international matches and for eight domestic teams – and you’ve got a dangerous player with a lot of expectation. 

Tamim Iqbal is perhaps Bangladesh’s best batsman but has struggled in global tournaments. He averaged 26 in the 2015 World Cup and just 19 in the 50-over showpiece eight years earlier. Iqbal is in good form having hit 127 against Sri Lanka in March and an unbeaten 64 against Ireland last week, but now it’s time to convert on the big stage. 

However, former Aussie batsman feels Mustafizur Rahman will be the serious x-factor player for Bangladesh. “He’s battled injury in the past year but if he can get up to full fitness he will be a huge asset for Bangladesh. Shakib has been a class player for a long period of time. Tamim Iqbal is a good player at the top of the order and getting better as he gets older and more experienced. They’ve got some good players, no question. The thing for them is how will they cope with the English conditions? They’re very good in subcontinental conditions but playing in England can be a lot different,” notes Hussey.

SQUAD: Tamim Iqbal, Somya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Sunzamul Islam, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza (c), Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam. Standby: Nasir Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Subashis Roy, Md. Saif Uddin

May 27 vs Pakistan, Edgbaston; 

May 30 vs India, The Oval

June 1 v England, The Oval; 

June 5 v Australia, The Oval; 

June 9 v New Zealand, Cardiff. 

BEST RESULT: Group stage – 2002, 2004