The T20 World Cup is just around the corner, with 20 nations vying for the coveted trophy in the USA and the West Indies. Bangladesh, which is not traditionally a consistent force in the format, is aiming to make its mark. The Tigers boast a few star players who can swing the momentum in their favour at any stage of the game.
Just before the main event, Bangladesh played a three-match T20I series against the USA, losing 2-1.
It served as a wake-up call for the team, which is heading to the World Cup under the captaincy of Najmul Hossain Shanto, a first-time World Cup captain. Shanto has a blend of young talents and experienced campaigners who have already proven their mettle at the international level.
From a batting perspective, Bangladesh’s biggest weapon could be Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who is tasked with providing a solid, fast start to the innings.
He’s already played seven T20Is, scoring three fifties at a strike rate over 120. This short stint may not be enough to fully assess his potential, but Tanzid has shown the promise to become a valuable asset on the world stage. He was a key member of the Bangladesh team that won the U-19 World Cup in South Africa in 2020.
After Tanzid, Litton Das can also be a destructive force at the top. The right-handed batter, who’s been experiencing a dip in form, is confident he’s just one good inning away from his expected rhythm.
He struggled in the series against the USA as well as in the last home series against Zimbabwe. Despite his recent struggles, it should be noted that Litton has scored over 1800 runs in 82 T20Is at a strike rate over 125, with 10 fifties to his name. If he gets off to a good start, he can dismantle any bowling attack on his day.
In the batting order, another potential star is Towhid Hridoy. The right-handed batter has already played some remarkable innings in his T20 career and has shown a willingness to step up.
If the top order falters, Towhid is Bangladesh’s next hope. With consistent performances, Bangladesh could see many good days in the coming months and years. Towhid has scored at a strike rate over 130 in 22 T20Is, with two fifties to his name.
In the lower order, both with bat and ball, Rishad Hossain can change the game. He’s one of the few leg-spinners to represent Bangladesh at the national level, and he’s shown promise. His biggest asset is his ability to hit clean shots.
In 17 matches, he’s batted in seven innings with a strike rate over 135 and has also taken 15 wickets. He can be a nightmare for opposition bowlers in the late order, and with the ball, he can break wickets at any stage of the game. He’s a talent who could be expensive but delivers something unique.
Mustafizur Rahman is also a force to be reckoned with. The star bowler, who recently participated in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Chennai Super Kings, proved he still has plenty to offer. He took a four-wicket haul in the IPL, his first in the tournament.
In the series against the USA, he took six wickets in the final match, setting a new record for best bowling figures in T20Is for Bangladesh. This performance should inspire him to replicate his success in the World Cup.
Before departing for the USA, both Bangladesh captain Najmul and coach Chandika Hathurusingha expressed cautious optimism about the World Cup. If these stars can perform to their potential, it could be a great tournament for Bangladesh.
