3 Reasons Why Bangladesh Will Be in The Top Four in World Cup 2023

image-ln5pgmz0Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be a key cog in Bangladesh's mechanism for World Cup 2023 (Source: Twitter)

Former Bangladesh cricketer and current cricket commentator, Athar Ali Khan stated that he won't be surprised to see if Bangladesh makes it for the top four spots in the coveted 2023 World Cup.  And why not? In the past three years, the Tigers have earned series wins against teams such as India, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland. In addition, they also defeated mighty England but failed to nail the series in 2022-23. 

Undoubtedly, the Asian side lived some memorable moments in the history of World Cup against some of the higher-ranked nations. But the current situation is such that if Bangladesh eclipses a  higher-ranked ODI side, it won't be coined as an 'upset' anymore.

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The BCB announced a 15-man squad that will be led by Shakib Al Hasan for the upcoming World Cup event and here's some pointers why this side can finish at the top four in the upcoming mega event.


1.Spin to win

The Bangladesh team has four brilliant finger spinners in their arsenal. Shakib Al Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Sheikh Mahedi Hasan can contribute with ten overs of spin on any day as per the requirement. In addition, they also have the likes of Mahmudullah Riyad and Towhid Hridoy who can add value with some part-time spin. 

The Indian conditions are likely to assist the spinners and Bangladesh will feel it more like home here. On dry surfaces where the ball may grip and turn just adequate, this side can topple the opposition with minimum hiccups. The SENA nations have their own struggles against spin-favourable conditions and this is where Bangladesh can capitalize.


2. Dynamic Middle order

The strongest part of this Bangladesh team is their dynamic middle order. The batting options ranging from no. 3 to no. 6 possess sensible batters who can soak pressure and churn out runs as per the situation. Najmul Hossain Shanto is in spectacular form with the bat in hand while Towhid Hridoy is the prodigy that the nation looks up to in the future. And obviously, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfqur Rahim's experience comes more than handy to both teams. The middle order is flexible to shuffling and has the knack to step up at the need of the hour.


3. Unsung pace attack

Pacers always play a pivotal part in any competition. The introduction of South African former legend, Allan Donald has soaked the seeds of impressive pace attack for Bangladesh. Taskin Ahmed is likely to spearhead their pace attack along with Mustafizur Rahman who found his forgetten touch back in the Asia Cup contest against India. The left-arm pacer will play a crucial part in the competition during the first powerplay and the slog overs. He was spot on with the excution during their recent ODI series with the Black Caps. 

Another exciting prospect for Bangladesh pace attack is the revelation of Tanzid Hasan Sakib. He impressed lot of cricketing minds after a brilliant outing against India in the final game of the Super Fours. With a slight slingy action, Sakib promises to be the next big thing in Bangladesh cricket. 

The presence of left and right-arm pace duo of Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud seems to be covering the void left by injured Ebadot Hossain. The left-arm pacer can gain early nibble while Hasan is quite accurate with the line and lengths. All in all, with favourable conditions as that of home, Bangladesh pacers may do wonders with the ball.