Bangladesh, who stunned the cricketing world by reaching the 2017 Champions Trophy semifinals, are once again gearing up to make their mark on the grand stage. As they step into the 2025 Champions Trophy, they carry the hope of building on their past glories while overcoming recent setbacks.
Aiming High Despite Challenges
Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto has set his sights high, expressing his team’s ambition to win the tournament. However, the journey ahead appears steep. Bangladesh’s recent performances in ODIs have been underwhelming, and the absence of senior stalwarts Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal further complicates their challenge.
🏏 Current ODI Form: A Tough Road So Far
- Bangladesh’s once-favored ODI format has not yielded success recently.
- They managed only 3 wins from 9 ODIs played in 2024.
- Their last five matches saw just a solitary victory, which included a 3-0 series defeat to the West Indies at home.
The England Cricket Board confirms that the match against Afghanistan will go ahead as planned
📝 Bangladesh Squad Overview
- Captain: Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Key Players: Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman
- Young Guns to Watch: Towhid Hridoy, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Rishad Hossain
Full Squad:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana
Focus Area: The batting unit must step up. Bangladesh has struggled to breach the 300-run mark, often leaving their bowlers with insufficient totals to defend. A stronger batting performance is key to supporting a bowling unit that has shown promising signs of growth.
📅 Group Stage Schedule:
- Feb 20: vs India, Dubai
- Feb 24: vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
- Feb 27: vs Pakistan, Rawalpindi
The Tigers are pleased with their group-stage scheduling. The opener against India in Dubai offers a chance to set the tone for the tournament. A four-day gap before facing New Zealand and Pakistan in Rawalpindi—where they recently earned a historic Test series win—gives them ample time to acclimatize.
💪 Key to Success: Momentum from the Start
Bangladesh has often thrived when they start tournaments strongly but struggled when momentum slips early. Their clash against New Zealand, a team they have bested on subcontinental pitches before, could be pivotal. However, their fortunes will largely hinge on how they perform against India in the opener.
🌟 Can the Tigers Roar Again?
Despite recent form concerns, Bangladesh remains a team capable of producing upsets. With a blend of experienced campaigners and exciting young talent, they will aim to channel their underdog spirit and defy the odds once more on the global stage.
