Bangladesh have promised a great deal with the white ball since their Under-19 World Cup win in 2020. A global pandemic later, they will be looking to make some significant progress on their at times underwhelming T20 World Cup campaigns in the UAE this month. They are yet to reach a semi-final in the competition but are coming off the back of some excellent form, having beaten Australia 4-1 and New Zealand 3-2 in series at home.
Strengths: See those series above. The wins were achieved on significantly turning pitches, with some remarkably low totals being put up. Should it spin in the UAE, the Tigers will fancy their chances.
Star turns: Keep an eye on Shoriful Islam. At 20 years old and 6 feet 3 inches, Islam was one of the stars of Bangladesh’s U-19 triumph, emulating the left-arm pace of Mutafizur Rahman and bowling with considerable pace and aggression.
Achilles Heel: The absence of Tamim Iqbal could be felt. After some poor performances, Iqbal pulled out of the World Cup somewhat unexpectedly. His apparent replacement, Soumya Sarkar, made just 28 runs in four knocks against Australia this year. Should it flatten out, questions will be asked of who is cashing in.
X Factor: Who else? Shakib Al Hasan returns to the side and off the back of some success in the IPL. He has long been their talisman, a world-class all-rounder to rival any other side. If he is on form, do not bet against Bangladesh.
Current Bookies View: 40/1 to win outright.
Chief selector Habibul Bashar speaks after training session at Zayed Cricket Academy.#BCB pic.twitter.com/kbWy1fZPVJ
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) October 12, 2021
The Guerilla View – Tony Bishop
Smarting they didn’t make qualification for the Super 12s. Hard to see Oman, PNG or the Tartan Army able to hang on to the Tiger’s tail. On turning tracks, they will be a handful, as both Australia and New Zealand discovered. Expect this Tiger to come to tea and stay for supper.
Shakib still has the Midas touch as he is proving KKR, providing he doesn’t upset the umpire, the referee, Bangladesh Cricket or anyone else. Either way he’s box office. It’s been 10 years since he played for Worcester though, so we need a new jingle.
