It seems ages since likes of Tamim Iqbal, Mashrafe Mortaza, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Shakib al Hasan are driving Bangladesh. And as I mentioned in my blog The “Last World Cup” XI of ICCWC 2019, likes of Mortaza and Shakib are on the verge of retirement. Unfortunately, Bangladesh doesn’t even have too many match winners beyond these four-five on the horizon. Mahmdullah Riyadh is their only hope to take the baton forward.
Though Soumya Sarkar and Litton Das are becoming a batting regular, consistency is still eluding them. Mustafizur Rehman did show the promise but hasn’t been up to the mark since then. Let us look at Bangladesh’s team balance and few more aspects for their challenge at the world cup 2019.
Team Balance
Batting
Batting is the mainstay of Bangladesh’s challenge in any tournament, let alone the world cup. The batting line up revolves around the like fo Tamim Iqbal and Mustafizur Rehman, whereas Litton and Soumya provide the quick runs. Shakib is responsible for stabilizing the middle order alongside Mushfiq. With Mosaddek Hossain showing the form during Ireland tri-series, the emphasis would be on him alongside Mahmadullah to provide the quick runs during the death overs.
Shakeeb – the all-rounder
Shakeeb enters the world cup as a no.1 all-rounder in the world. The onus would be on him to play that crucial role of balancing the side. However, he not being a pace all-rounder may hit the team in conditions favoring seam and swing.
Bowling
Captain Mortaza is Bangladesh’s go to bowler whenever they need a wicket alongside Shakib. However, there isn’t much exciting beyond that in the bowling lineup. As mentioned earlier, Mustafizur is s pale shadow of his earlier self, lacking consistency. Rubel Hossain should be relied upon to use his experience in the English conditions.
Perfect Recent Past
Bangladesh is entering into the world cup 2019 at the back of winning the Ireland tri-series. Beating West Indies all three times in that tournament must be a confidence booster for the entire team. However, the team must not be complacent like it has been in the past.
One Last Hurrah…
Mashrafe Mortaza is playing the world cup one last time. The stalwart of Bangladesh cricket must be wishing to have one last hurrah… of winning the coveted trophy. As a leader of the team, he would look to bring the best out of each player, especially on the back of tri-series win. As a fan of this game, I hope that his wish comes true.
