The Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Shakib Al Hasan (VC), Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Mithun, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mosaddek Hossain, Abu Jayed
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday announced its’ 15-member contingent for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and barring the comeback of middle-order batsman Mosaddek Hossain and inclusion of uncapped pacer Abu Jayed, there are hardly any surprises in this squad, which has a nice blend of youth and experienced cricketers.
Also read: India World Cup Squad: A solid unit, which has covered all bases
Mosaddek, who last featured in the Bangladesh team in the Asia Cup in UAE in September last year, has had some strong performances for Abahani Limited in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League (Bangladesh’s domestic list A competition), where he has scored 428 runs in 12 matches alongside picking up seven wickets with his off-spin so far. Also, the injury of Mahmudullah, who in all probabilities won’t be able to bowl in the World Cup, made way for Mosaddek.
Pacer Jayed, who is yet to play an ODI, swung the ball in New Zealand recently and bowled some impressive spells during the Test series. Hence, he got the nod of the selectors ahead of more experienced Taskin Ahmed, who yet to regain his full fitness following an injury break.
Nevertheless, let’s have a closer look and find out the key factors of this particular unit, which has been selected.
Solidity in the batting department
With the presence of Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah, there is plenty of experience in this Bangladesh batting line-up. In fact, their batting will revolve around these seniors, whereas youngsters like Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Sabbir Rahman, Mohammad Mithun and Mosaddek are expected to provide the helping hands.
There is experience, quality and depth in this batting line-up. Hence, going into this World Cup, batting will be Bangladesh’s strength and they should prefer chasing down totals.
Preferred top-seven: Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar/Sabbir Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain
Versatile all-round options
This Bangladesh team has a barrage of all-round options of different varieties. Shakib tops the chart in this department and others like Mohammad Saifuddin, Mosaddek and Mehidy Hasan are quality cricketers as well.
In fact, the presence of these utility players will help the team management to form different sort of combinations according to the conditions. And with people like Saifuddin and Mehidy batting down, it gives the line-up a lot of depth.
Preferred all-rounders in the first XI: Shakib Al Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan
Who will keep wickets?
Mushfiqur, Liton and Mithun – Bangladesh have three wicket-keeping options in the squad. However, Mushfiqur is the most likely person who will take the keeping gloves.
Preferred wicket-keeper: Mushfiqur Rahim
Is bowling their weak link?
Yes, there is enough variety in this Bangladesh attack but perhaps, they miss an “X-Factor”, especially in the pace attack. In England, primarily fast bowlers will get you the breakthroughs and the Tigers lacking some pace in this department.
Apart from Rubel Hossain, there isn’t a fast bowler in this team who can hit the bat hard. Their other go-to option is Mustafizur Rahman, but he has suffered a lot of injuries in the recent past it has affected his performance. And people like Mashrafe Mortaza and Jayed can bowl wicket to wicket but in the death overs, their pace is not ideal to restrict the batsmen.
In the spin department, a lot will depend on how Shakib and Mehidy bowl. If it is a dry English summer, then they might get some purchase out of the surfaces. And if Bangladesh spinners start to dictate terms, this team can go far in this World Cup.
In recent multi-team events, Bangladesh have performed fairly, which includes the semi-final berth in the last ICC Champions Trophy in England. And yet again they will travel to the United Kingdom, with plenty of exceptions.
Bangladesh will commence their campaign in the World Cup against South Africa on June 2 at the Oval in London.
