Sydney, Feb 7 (IANS) The 'Tigers', as they are affectionately called by the fans, have not quite roared in the international cricket yet, but pundits think Bangladesh can emerge as a strong cricketing power in the World Cup.
They have scripted some major upsets in previous editions of the mega event, but never could cap it off by reaching the business end of the tournament. This time their main objective will be to make it through to the quarter-finals.
The No.9 ranked One-Day International (ODI) team began their Cup journey in 1999, achieving their first victory in the quadrennial event against Scotland.
They pulled off a major coup beating Pakistan by 62 runs in that tournament.
They couldn't quite maintain the momentum in the 2003 edition but four years later, in the Caribbean, resumed their 'giant-killing' act stunning India to qualify for the super-eights.
It was their first and only time they made it past the first round.
They co-hosted the 2011 edition of the tournament along with India and buoyed by the home crowd defeated England in a thrilling match.
They maintained the momentum, winning against Ireland and Netherlands but it wasn't enough to secure qualification to the next round.
But their form in the build-up to the competition haven't been impressive, losing 12 of the 18 ODIs they have participated in 2014, winning only five.
To add to their worries, their preparation was marred by a recent controversy involving fast bowler Rubel Hossain.
He allegedly had a physical relationship with an actress after promising her marriage but putatively turned back on his promise.
The actress dragged the cricketer to the courtroom forcing the sport to take a backseat in the country. Hossain, however, was allowed by a Dhaka court to travel to Australia to represent his country.
Bangladesh are in Pool A clubbed against heavy-weights like Australia, Sri Lanka, England and New Zealand along with 'minnows' Scotland and new-comers Afghanistan.
The team will be led by fast-bowler Mashrafe Mortaza, a veteran of 144 ODIs and is coached by former Sri Lankan cricketer Chandika Hathurusinghe.
The team is boosted the No.1 ranked all-rounder Shakib-al-Hasan, wicket-keeper bastman Mushfiqur Rahim and opener Tamin Iqbal, all of whom have played over a hundred ODIs.
The team will be highly dependable on Hasan to fire with both bat and ball and hope to get a brisk start from Iqbal. Mominul Haque and Rahim will be the anchor man of their innings.
They have a good chance of starting the tournament brightly having received a 'kind' opening match against Afghanistan at the Manuka Oval in Canberra Feb 18.
A win in the match will boost their confidence ahead of matches heavy-weight sides like Australia and Sri Lanka.
The World Cup presents Bangladesh a good chance to take that overdue leap from 'minnows' to a strong team.
Bangladesh's 15-member World Cup squad:
Mashrafe Mortaza (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan (vice-captain), Mahmudullah Riaz, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper), Nasir Hossain, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Al-Amin Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahman, Arafat Sunny.
Shahbaz Sharif started pleading for an attack on Noor Khan and a ceasefire, what was Pakistan afraid of?
After the declaration of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the situation in both countries has become normal. Last night, there was peace in Jammu and Kashmir and other areas along the
Corona Updates: For the first time in the country, more than 300 deaths a day, for the sixth consecutive day, increased by close to 10,000.
New Delhi: The deadly corona virus is now increasing rapidly in the country. There have been 331 deaths due to the virus in the last 24 hours. This is the first time the death toll has crossed 300 in
Political turmoil in Pakistan: Shahbaz became the 23rd Prime Minister, instead of the President, the Senate Chairman administered the oath; Modi also congratulated Shahbaz
Shahbaz Sharif has become the 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan. Shahbaz was administered the oath by Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani. Surprisingly, President Arif Alvi did not come to administer the
Want Gift Assistance for V-Day? Use App
New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS) Are you confused about what to pamper your loved one with on Valentine's Day? Use Gift Assistance, a service offered by Haptik app.It can help users find the perfect gifts
Missile Program in North Korea: North Korea said - Missile program will continue even after the latest sanctions
North Korea said on Tuesday that additional sanctions would not halt its missile program, days after launching two medium-range ballistic missiles in what it called a "key" test for the development of
QN-nat-Education portal Embibe.com acquires 100Marks
Mumbai, March 10 (IANS) Leading education portal to prepare for competitive entrance tests Embibe.com on Tuesday announced the take-over of 100Marks, a student guidance platform for JEE main,
America said – Freedom for all religions in India: Human rights are respected there, the situation in China and Pakistan is opposite
Praising religious freedom in India, America has said that India is the world's largest democracy and home to many religions. The US was asked why India has not been included in the list of 'countries
VITEEE Result 2023: VIT Engineering Entrance Exam Result declared, download score card from this link
Big news for the candidates who appeared at VIT Engineering Entrance. Vellore Institute of Technology has announced the result of the VIT Engineering Entrance Exam (VITEEE) 2023. The engineering
Kulgam Encounter: Three terrorists were killed in Kulgam encounter, firing continues between terrorists and security forces.
Heavy firing is going on between the joint team of terrorists and security forces in the Redwani Pine area of Kulgam district of South Kashmir. So far, three terrorists have been
Sanjauli Mosque Dispute: There is a curfew-like atmosphere in Sanjauli due to the mosque dispute, Hindu organizations are protesting
Shimla Masjid Case: The dispute over Sanjauli Masjid in Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is not taking the name of stopping. In order to maintain law and order in the Sanjauli area of
