TEAM GUIDE – BANGLADESH

Bangladesh go into this World Cup positioned as high as seventh in the International Cricket Council’s ODI rankings. That’s a loftier standing than Sri Lanka and the West Indies – and just five points shy of surpassing sixth-placed Pakistan.

They have improved substantially since the 2015 World Cup – and are an outside pick to secure a maiden semi-final berth.

Like Afghanistan, a change in format which has removed groups and quarter-finals will see Bangladesh struggle to secure a spot among the top four teams at the end of the round-robin stage. But they are brimming with confidence after recent ODI victory over the West Indians in Ireland – and are well placed to convert characteristic scrap and guile into results in England and Wales.

The experienced Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim are often the names that line this category, but the young Mosaddek Hossain make for a particularly attractive option down the order. He was key in that final victory over the West Indies earlier this month – and offers a solid finishing role if the Bangladesh top- through middle-order hasn’t been able to deliver quite enough.

Seamer Abu Jayed was a relatively surprise selection for the World Cup squad, but quickly silenced critics with a maiden ODI five-for against the Irish in mid-May. The 25-year-old right-armer has been able to generate swing and pace – and looks a good fit for British conditions. How he partners the experienced Rubel Hossain and captain Mashrafe Mortaza will need to be carefully balanced, though.

Victories over Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and the West Indies are musts if Bangladesh are musts if Bangladesh are to harbour hopes of reaching the semi-finals, but one or two others will be required to cap that ambition. Early July’s match against Pakistan at Lord’s in London, then, is vital. Bangladesh’s last four ODIs against the Pakistanis have yielded wins – and a fifth is required to ensure advance.

No longer minnows but not yet big guns, Bangladesh will be a long way from the familiarity of home conditions. They will finish in the bottom half of the table, but not quite at the very end. Injury concerns over Al Hasan are a telling factor. He is a major part of their batting and bowling resources and, if not fully fit and firing, might be among the blames for a poor campaign.

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MORE TEAM GUIDES:

• Afghanistan

• Australia

• Bangladesh

• England

• India

• New Zealand

• Pakistan

• South Africa

• Sri Lanka

• West Indies

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