Bangladesh have come a long way but still have some distance to cover. Having missed the previous two editions of this prestigious tournament, it's a golden opportunity for them to leave a mark and continue their progression towards becoming a quality cricket team.

By Waqar Goraya (24th May, 2017)

Bangladesh are now ranked 6th in the latest ICC ODI Rankings, the highest they have been in their history. It shows that they have improved a lot during the last half a decade or so. At home, they have become a very formidable opposition for any top side. Having managed to defeat teams like India, South Africa and Pakistan in their home series and giving a very tough time to England in their last home series, Bangladesh have proved that they are now a force to be reckon with at least at home. Still, they have not tasted much success overseas. One of the reasons could be that they are still not invited by major countries for their home seasons. But looking at their success at home, it might not take very long now for the other top countries to change their opinion. 

Although they are not blessed with many match winners among their ranks, the overall team combination gives them a balanced outlook with quality all-rounders like Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah in the mix. Bangladesh's success at home also depends a lot on these spin all rounders. 

The squad is a mix of youth and experience. In the batting department, the side depends on the experienced shoulders of Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and the promising Soumya Sarkar. The opening pair of Tamim and Soumya looks enterprising on paper. Tamim has also done well in the past in English conditions but having played most of their cricket at home as a batting unit, it remains to be seen that how well they can handle the moving ball in England. So, a lot will depend on the start that Bangladesh's top order provides them. 

Similarly, the bowling department has the services of decent quick bowlers in the shape of experienced captain Mashrafe Mortaza and the youthful duo Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed. Of the two departments of bowling and batting, it is their bowling which can be considered more reliable if we look at their history. 

The fact that Bangladesh have not played much against top sides overseas leaves them a little under-developed to do well in such a challenging tournament. But recently concluded tri-series in somewhat similar conditions of Ireland where they managed to win a first away game against New Zealand should prepare them well and boost their chances of of a good show in the Champions Trophy.

There is no doubt that the task that lies ahead of team Bangladesh is not an easy one, considering the stiff resistance they face in the group A which besides Bangladesh consists of Australia, New Zealand and England. But they can take heart from their recent good performances against England and their progression to the next round at World Cup '15 at the expense of England.

Strengths

Good spin all rounders, very good captain

Weaknesses

Overall batting unit is not as good as some of the other teams in the Group A have. 

Verdict

Qualification for the semi-finals is going to be difficult but not impossible. 

Bangladesh squad for Champions Trophy

Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullah, Mehedi Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Sunzamul Islam, Tamim Iqbal, Taskin Ahmed

Discuss!