'Best Chance For Bangladesh..,' Bold World Cup Prediction From Star Commentator
Bangladesh will be led by Shakib Al Hasan (Twitter)
Distinguished commentator Athar Ali Khan has shared insights on Bangladesh's prospects of clinching the title in the upcoming ODI World Cup scheduled to be held in India later this year. Khan, who played as a middle order batsman for Bangladesh in the 80s, emphasized that the Tigers stand in a favourable position to secure a berth in the playoffs in the quadrennial event.
According to Khan, who was in a conversation with sports journalist Boria Majumder, this is Bangladesh’s best chance to make it to the top four in the big event. He feels that the good mix of experienced and young players, and a lethal spin as well as pace attack, could help Bangladesh deliver the goods in the World Cup.
“This is the best chance for Bangladesh to make the last four. When I say this to you, I say it with a lot of conviction and not just for the sake of saying it."
“When I look at our team, I know what I am saying. There is a very good blend of experience and youth, and unlike in the past when we just had very good spinners, we also have fast bowlers who can do the job,” he added.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) recently made the decision to reinstate the seasoned all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, as the captain for both the forthcoming Asia Cup and the World Cup. This change comes as a result of a setback faced by, Tamim Iqbal, who had earlier revoked his retirement decision in July but had to withdraw from the six-team tournament in Pakistan and Sri Lanka due to a back injury.
Shakib Al Hasan, who is also the skipper of the T20I and Test team, has led Bangladesh team in 52 ODIs, winning on 23 occasions. He is also one of the most experienced players in the team, having played in various T20 leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League (IPL). Shakib was also the third-leading run-getter in the 2019 World Cup.
The former Bangladesh cricketer also feels that Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman's IPL experience will be handy in the World Cup and feels that Bangladesh have the team to do well in the Indian conditions.
“The batting is solid, and in Shakib, we have the world’s best all-rounder for Indian conditions. When you add IPL experience to this, Shakib has played in the IPL for years, Mustafizur plays regularly in the IPL – you know that we have the team to do well in these conditions."
The Asia Cup gets underway on August 30, while the World Cup will be played from October 5 to November 19.
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