Bangladesh won 64.24 percent of their matches in 2006, second only to Australia’s 71.42
Bangladesh won 64.24 percent of their matches in 2006, second only to Australia’s 71.42
Recent form and a notable win over world champions Australia two years ago have boosted Bangladesh’s confidence ahead of the World Cup.
“This time we are a team in the real sense. We have a reliable batting side and a good bowling side as well,” captain Habibul Bashar says. Bangladesh won 18 ODIs out of 28 last year.
They also won their latest away series 3-1 against Zimbabwe in early February. Although most of Bangladesh’s victories have come against Zimbabwe and Kenya, they won 64.24 percent of their matches in 2006, second only to Australia (71.42).
Bangladesh are in Group B, featuring former champions India and Sri Lanka, plus Bermuda. At the last World Cup in South Africa, Bangladesh lost five of their six games including one against Canada while they were also at the receiving end of a hat-trick by Chaminda Vaas in the first three balls of the match against Sri Lanka.
“That’s part of history. Now we target to reach the second round,” Bashar adds.
“Two wins can take us to the Super Eight... It won’t be easy. But being underdogs we will have some advantages. The pressure will always remain on them.” Coach Dav Whatmore derives hope from Kenya, who moved into the semifinals in 2003.
“Kenyan success four years ago will always be an inspiration for the underdogs,” says Whatmore, who won the World Cup with Sri Lanka in 1996.
Habibul Bashar, 34, captain
A technically correct batsman, he has not lived up to the promise he showed at the start of his career. Remains an impulsive hooker despite falling to it often. Will complete 100 ODIs at the WC
Shahriar Nafees, 21
A sound left-handed opening batsman, he is regarded as a future captain and was named deputy to Bashar despite being one of the youngest players
Abdur Razzak, 24
The left-arm spinner is regarded as the successor to Mohd Rafique. Has the ability to break partnerships but it remains to be seen if he will make the playing XI
Aftab Ahmed, 21
The hard-hitting batsman is best known for the four and six he hit to signal Bangladesh’s historic win over Australia in 2005. The ideal one-day player who can also bowl steady medium-pace
Javed Omar, 30
A slow grafter at the top of the order, he is more suited to Test cricket than the shorter version. Will be expected to hold one end as runs are scored at the other
Mashrafe Mortaza, 23
An aggressive fast bowler, he is the spearhead of the pace attack. Learnt his art at the hands of West Indian great Andy Roberts
Mohd Ashraful, 22
The prodigal son of Bangladesh cricket, he is the youngest man in history to score a Test century aged 16. Is back in form after a bad run in 2003 when he was dropped from the side
Mohd Rafique, 36
The truly world-class player in the team, he is an accurate left-arm spinner capable of troubling the best batsmen. He can also bat fluently low down the order
Mushfiqur Rahim, 18
Was chosen ahead of veteran keeper Khaled Mashud and that itself places a big burden on the youngster to justify his selection
Rajin Saleh, 23
A great favourite of coach Dav Whatmore, he is regarded as one of the most talented Bangladesh batsmen
Saqibul Hasan, 19
The left-armer lends variety to the attack and can bat well
Shahadat Hossain, 20
Has all the makings of a genuine fast bowler
Syed Rasel, 22
A key left-arm seamer in the Bangladesh new ball attack
Tamim Iqbal, 17
Made his ODI debut on February 9 and four days later was named in the WC squad after only two matches. Is regarded as the country’s most promising batsman
Tapash Baisya, 24
The tall and wiry seamer leads the Bangladesh attack and is also a capable batsman
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