Experience abundant, inconsistency a worry

But the Tigers are capable of dashing the hopes of title aspirants

Abu Jayed with Rahim.

If there is one dangerous ‘floater’ in the World Cup mix, it’s Bangladesh. Though not tipped to be among the semifinalists, this experienced side is capable of dashing the hopes of title aspirants.

Under Mashrafe Mortaza, Bangladesh has what it takes to stun the pre-match favourites. A settled top-order, at least four all-rounders, three wicketkeeper-batsmen and four specialist bowlers lend the side a touch of assurance.

The core

The Big Five — Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mahmudullah and Tamim Iqbal — form the core after having made their international debut more than a decade ago.

The skipper, in particular, has proved to be an able leader for this cricket-loving nation. His presence at the helm has also ensured a certain degree of discipline, something not always present in this line-up.

Making its World Cup debut in 1999, Bangladesh made everyone take note by stunning Pakistan. In 2007, it got the better of India and South Africa and in 2015, knocked England out en route to the quarterfinals.

Recently, it beat West Indies thrice. Though these victories are testimony to the team’s capabilities, Bangladesh has somehow lacked consistency in big matches, whether in World Cup or Champions Trophy.

Finalist to India in the last Asia Cup, Bangladesh will have to seize the big moments against the more accomplished teams in order to advance further in the competition.

The “Terrific Tigers” owe it a variety in bowling resources for the confidence behind restricting the opposition to sub-300 scores. It prefers to chase down targets, with most batsmen known to send the ball to past the ropes with deft touches and timing, instead of brute power.

No wonder, since the 2015 World Cup, Bangladesh has won nine one-day series, including five on the trot, at home, against Pakistan, India, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, between April 2015 and September 2016.

More all-rounders

The World Cup squad presents coach Steve Rhodes and Mashrafe plenty of options, thanks to the presence of all-rounders like Shakib, Mahmudullah, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mosaddek Hossain and Mehidy Hasan.

With Rhodes’ knowledge of English conditions coming handy, Bangladesh will have an added advantage.

However, it is the quality of pace attack that should worry the fearless bunch. Besides the captain, Rubel Hossain, left-arm Mustafizur Rahman and new-find Abu Jayed are the specialist fast bowlers in the squad.

Of the lot, Mustafizur could be a factor should he find his old form. Troubled by injuries, the speedster could not live up to the early promise. His ability to bring the ball into the right-handers and the diligent use of slower-ones makes him the bowler to watch out for.

Overall, the squad has a good mix of senior players and younger performers. Much depends on how Bangladesh sheds inconsistency and raises its level to meet the challenges.