ICC World Cup 2019: 3 reasons why Bangladesh could spring a surprise

Gone are those days when the Bangladesh cricket team were only about claiming one or two upsets here and there. They have made notable progress, especially in ODI cricket in recent years. 2015 was an unforgettable year for Bangladesh cricket as they made it to the knock-out stages of the World Cup for the first time in their history, and then won ODI series against India and South Africa at home. In 2016, they played the final of the Asia Cup, and in the following year, they made it to the quarter-finals of the Champions Trophy. In 2018, they again played the final of the Asia Cup.

Since 2015, their winning percentage in ODI cricket is 57%, way better than their overall win percentage of 34. In the mentioned period, their W/L ratio is better than Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Afghanistan.

Now, Bangladesh are raring to play at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Prior to the marquee tournament, Bangladesh have won a tri-series against West Indies and Ireland. The Tigers' emphatic performances in the tri-series bodes well for them going into the World Cup as a confident unit. They are looking in great touch and will be hoping for some magical performance in England and Wales.

In this article, we will talk about the three reasons why Bangladesh can spring a surprise at the World Cup.

#1 Experienced squad

It will be fifth appearance for Mortaza at the World Cup.

Bangladesh have one of the most experienced squads heading into the World Cup. Four players in their squad, namely Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mushfiqur Rahim have the experience of playing three or more World Cups. While Mortaza has played four World Cups since 2003, the other three have featured in three World Cups since 2007. At a stage like the World Cup, the experience of these players might ease things for Bangladesh. Their experience might not let Bangladesh get overconfident if they start well so that they can continue their good work to last long in the tournament.

#2 Abundance of Batting All-rounders

Shakib and Mahmudullah provide Bangladesh with great balance.

Cricket has turned into a batting-oriented sport. Massive scores have become a regularity. Batting records from the past are shattering in almost every match. The availability of a long batting line-up is something every team wishes to have. Depth in batting can keep a team in the game despite losing some quick wickets at the start.

Now, Bangladesh have the likes of Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad, and Soumya Sarkar, who are pure batsmen and fairly capable bowlers. These three can easily bowl out 20 overs which could provide Bangladesh a chance to keep one or two extra batsmen in their line-up. Bangladesh can manage a playing XI with eight batsmen and just three specialist bowlers.

Bangladesh have been availing this luxury in the past, and this will surely help their way at the World Cup.

#3 Hungry to make a mark

Bangladesh players are desperate to win something big.

In recent years, Bangladesh have registered some famous wins but could not actually achieve what they would have loved to. They played three finals against India at Asia Cup 2016, Nidahas Cup 2018, and Asia Cup 2018 respectively, but could not go on to clinch the title. They were just short of a perfect finish as a stage like the final was alien for them. They were on a learning curve.

The notable thing is that they contested India well in those finals and only lost by close margins. Bangladesh would have learnt some tough lessons from these defeats which could come in handy at the World Cup.

The experience of Mortaza, Shakib, Tamim, and Rahim, aided by their hunger for a recognized laurel can well bring fruition for them at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.