The contenders: Bangladesh

Of course, the first thought that would come to your mind is: Why is the writer counting Bangladesh amongst the contenders ??. While no one, least of all the Bangladeshi fan, imagines Shakib Al Hasan lifting the trophy on the 2nd of April, I have this suspicion that Bangladesh might actually go quite far in this tournament. Since their entry into the event in 1999, the Bangladeshis had been merely making up the numbers. An odd victory apart (Pakistan in 1999 and India in 2007), they have not really gone as far as they would have liked to. In 2007, it was only because of the weird format (4 teams of 4 groups), that they got into the Super Eights. But this time, things might be different. Firstly, they are playing all their games at home. On the slow n low pitches, and in front of their boisterous home crowd, they can be quite a handful even for the top sides. And remember, in this World Cup, fringe teams like Bangladesh only need to upset the applecart once (assuming they win against the non-test playing nations) to gain entry into the quarter finals. And from then, of course, it is anyone's game. In addition, they are a vastly improved side since four years back. Under Shakib Al Hasan, the side has shown an ability to constantly hold the top teams in check. Has Bangladesh's time finally come ?

World Cup Record: Not very inspiring. Played 20, Won 5. But they will not get a better opportunity than this to improve that.

Likely XI: Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Shahriar Nafees, Junaid Siddique, Md Ashraful, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Raheem, Naeem Islam, Abdur Razzaq, Shaiful Islam, Rubel Hossain

The key players to watch would be Tamim Iqbal and the captain. Tamim has established himself as a dasher at the top and his audacious, and generally very good, shots up front have often given Bangladesh the early impetus. And in Shakib Al Hasan, they have an inspirational leader. One who contributes with both bat and ball (2834 runs at average of 35, 129 wickets at economy of only 4.25), he would hold the key to their fortunes. Not to mention the way he marshalls his troops and helps them absorb the pressure that can so easily turn your foe.

Key Games: The tournament opener against India promises to be a block-buster, not least because of what happened in the Carribbean in 2007. Indians would be thirsty for revenge, and the Bangladeshis would be just as pumped up to repeat the dose in front of a packed and partisan crowd. If Bangladesh can repeat the feat, it will set the tournament alight, not to mention a couple of riots in India !!. But even if they go down to India, what is heartening for Bangladesh is that the other two sub-continental sides are in the other group. That leaves England, South Africa and West Indies, none of whom are at home on the turning pitches in Bangladesh. I expect Al-Hasan and his men to win one (if not two) of these three matches. If Ireland and Netherlands can be negotiated comfortably, Bangladesh would find themselves in the quarters. There, of course, they would probably run into Australia. And in knock-out matches, of course, who knows what can happen on that day ?

Final Word: I would be watching their progress with keen interest. It may be that this World Cup might be Bangladesh team's coming-of-age tournament. I expect them in the quarters and they will give their opponent there a run for their money.

 

Cheers

Amit