Bangladesh Cricket Team in 2011 World Cup – Team Evaluation

“Soto Asha”…Hundreds of hopes. For the first time Bangladesh is organizing World Cup. This is a milestone of  Bangladesh cricket history. Bangladesh Worldcup journey began with the hands of Akram Khan & Co. when they became champion in 1997 ICC trophy. Who can forget the controversy regarding Minhajul Abedin who proved his inclusion as he scored a crucial half-century against Scotland to register first ever win in World cup. But the win against Pakistan helped them a great extent to notify the world that Bangladesh can play good cricket. Due to huge crowd in 1998 Mini World Cup & success in ‘99 World cup, Bangladesh achieved test status from ICC. Bangladeshi board president Saber Chowdhury also should get credit for that. After getting status, team Bangladesh didn’t move backward and started to improve.

After ‘99 Bangladesh cricket team lost Gordon Grinidge & A D Barlo. Then board made a terrible mistake by choosing Mohsin Kamal as coach. He excluded all senior players like Akram, Aminul & the poor results in ‘03 WC was unenviable as we lost against ‘weak’ Canada & Kenya. Then came Trevor Chapple who was mainly a fielding coach. During his period players learnt nothing but some fielding skill. Bangladesh cricket team lost their way but It was Dave Whatmore who brought back our team in right way. Bangladeshi ex captain Habibul Bashar showed smart captaincy at his reign .In their period, they  got bunch of talented players like Shakib Al hasan,Tamim Iqbal ,Mushfiq etc. Bangladesh did pretty well in ‘07 World cup .They reached super eight, defeated mighty Indians & South Africans, a lose against Ireland was the only black spot.

After the departure of Australian coach Dave what more, BCB appointed another Australian coach Jamie siddon. Jamie siddon has brought  many changes in team Bangladesh by boosting up lot of confidents among players. Bangladesh team started to play good cricket more consistently. 2011 WC gives them hopes & inspiration as they are ranked as no. 8 ODI team by whitewashing New Zealand and defeating Zimbabwe by 3-1. Playing in home soil will also give them  extra advantage. In their day they can defeat any team, they proved it by defeating all test team in the world. But now they have to prove that they can win  more consistently

                                               Image source cricinfo

Bangladesh cricket team’s success largely depend on the type of wicket. Slow and turning wicket suits them as they have dozens of good spinners . Main focus will be on spin department as Captain cool Shakib & veteran Razzak are the main weapons. But maybe the third spinner would determine the balance. If Shuvo, Naeem, Mahmudullah bowls well, it will be very tough for other teams to handle. If fast bowlers can make early inroads, it would be a huge confidence boosters.

Their batting largely depends on Tamim & Shakib now-a-days, Last year, Imrul Kayes & Junaid Siddeque played well. But this is an acid test for them to perform in big stage. In our opinion, Mushfiq, Riyad should bat at number 4 & 6 and Ashraful should bat at number 7 to score quick runs in the last overs.

Weakness: Bangladesh has lack of good quality fast bowlers which often makes the difference. Moreover the exclusion of Bangladeshi main fast bowler Masharfee mortoza has weakened the sharpness of their pace attack. Their bowling attack will depend on spin bowlers but without the support from fast bowlers it will be difficult for spinners to handle the situation. The batting order looks strong but the problem is with the lower order. Bangladesh need good power hitter who can handle the power play overs.

Hopes: Although Bangladeshi people are desperate to win against India, they have greater chance to win against others. They must win against Holland, west indies & Ireland to qualify for the quarter finals. . Besides, they must eye mainly on English & South Africa. To beat India Bangladeshi fast bowler has to bowl exceptionally well.

                       image source cricinfo

At last, Wishing Bangladesh cricket team for their success in worldcup 2011 , hope they will Play well for pride & make their  loving country high. Besh besh besh,sabash Bangladesh.Jao agia amar Bangladesh….(song)

(written by Saiful sohel & edited+ added by  Tanvir ) The admins of Bangladesh cricke team fan page