5 reasons why Bangladesh will be the team to beat in the next World Cup

Modified Jul 13, 2017 17:49 IST

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 15: The Bangladesh team look dejected after their nine wicket defeat during the ICC Champions Trophy Semi-Final match between Bangladesh and India at Edgbaston on June 15, 2017 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) — The rise of the Tigers has been commendable

#1 Mashrafe factor

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 01: Mashrafe Mortaza of Bangladesh celebrates dismissing Jason Roy of England during the ICC Champions Trophy group match between England and Bangladesh at The Kia Oval on June 1, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) — The born leader

When Mashrafe took over the captaincy in 2014, Bangladesh were ranked at number 9 in ODIs and were still labelled as minnows by the cricket world. However, right now, Bangladesh are placed at 7^th in the ODI rankings and are as competitive as anyone else in world cricket.

While Bangladesh have had an influx of talent in the team, they now have the right temperament to match the talent. And one man has instilled such an attitude in the players: Mashrafe Mortaza.

Mortaza is a warrior by all means. This is a man who has to fight his own knee every day in a bid to play more cricket. There is a risk of him becoming handicapped and spending the rest of his life on the wheelchair because of the state of his knee and the stress that is exerted on it each time he plays.

And yet, he continues to serve the nation. It is not Mashrafe’s bowling, rather his leadership that binds everyone as a unit and pushes it forward. Bangladesh have won series against Pakistan, India and South Africa while also reaching the knock-outs of the World Cup 2015 and the Champions Trophy earlier this year.

And one man led the way: Mashrafe Mortaza.