5 players who form Bangladesh cricket team’s nucleus

CARDIFF, WALES - JUNE 09: Bangladesh batsman Shakib Al Hasan hits out during the ICC Champions Trophy match between New Zealand and Bangladesh at SWALEC Stadium on June 9, 2017 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) — Shakib Al Hasan is arguably Bangladesh’s greatest cricketing son

#3 Mahmudullah Riyad

CARDIFF, WALES - JUNE 09: Bangladesh batsman Mohammad Mahmudullah celebrates after hitting the winning runs during the ICC Champions Trophy match between New Zealand and Bangladesh at SWALEC Stadium on June 9, 2017 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) — Mahmudullah gives Bangladesh’s lower middle order some much-needed muscle

Mahmudullah Riyad is a major reason why Bangladesh have won big matches, especially in the ICC tournaments. He has been absolutely scintillating for Bangladesh in the middle order. And apart from being a prolific run-getter, Mahmudullah is a handy off-break bowler.

Most importantly, he has the skills and temperament to be banked on when the chips are down. During the World Cup in 2015, hosted by Australia and New Zealand, Mahmudullah racked up a couple of tons to help his team to a quarter-final spot.

In the just-concluded Champions Trophy Mahmudullah added another century to his kitty against New Zealand helping the Tigers knock out the Kiwis.