SM
Tuesday, December 24
Upcoming predictions and previews

In Focus: England's World Cup opponents Bangladesh

:Headline: In Focus: England's World Cup opponents Bangladesh: ID:361361: from db_amp
The Tigers are seventh in the ODI world rankings.

England continue their quest for World Cup glory when they face Bangladesh on Saturday in Cardiff.

The hosts are bidding to get their tournament back on track at Sophia Gardens following Monday's surprise 14-run defeat to Pakistan.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a closer look at their opponents.

Tournament so far

Ranked seventh in the world, Bangladesh began by upsetting South Africa. They then fell agonisingly short during Wednesday's two-wicket loss to New Zealand. After being bowled out for 244 at The Oval, the Tigers gave the 2015 runners-up a serious scare. Ultimately, they were left with too much to do in the field but could count themselves extremely unlucky after the Black Caps survived a series of possible run-outs to win with 17 balls remaining.

Strengths

Tamim Iqbal opens the batting for Bangladesh (Simon Cooper/PA)

Bangladesh have won nine ODI series since the 2015 World Cup and possess a core group of vastly-experienced cricketers. Captain Mashrafe Mortaza has a strong dressing-room presence, while Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim have also been playing at international level for more than a decade, contributing to a stable batting line-up.

Weaknesses

Mustafizur Rahman took three wickets against South Africa (Mike Egerton/PA)

Despite talent and fighting spirit which have served the team well in recent years, Bangladesh's bowling attack sometimes lacks a killer blow. Mustafizur Rahman, who claimed three South African wickets, is one of the most skilled fast bowlers in world cricket. But, as a whole, the Tigers have a shortage of sheer pace.

Star man

While much is expected of opener Tamim, Shakib has shone brightest so far. The 32-year-old, rated as one of the world's best all-rounders, justified the hype with a player-of-the-match performance in the surprise win over the Proteas, which included an impressive knock of 75 and the wicket of Aiden Markram. He carried that form into the New Zealand clash, producing another half-century (64) before dismissing openers Martin Guptill and Colin Munro.

Talking point

Bangladesh could have travelled to south Wales with a 100 per cent record had diminutive wicketkeeper Rahim not clumsily clattered into the stumps to prevent Kane Williamson being run-out. Black Caps captain Williamson capitalised on the reprieve to form a crucial 105-run partnership with Ross Taylor. Tigers captain Mortaza refused to criticise his team-mate for the error and it will be interesting to see how Rahim responds.

Captain's view

Mashrafe Mortaza hopes to spring a surprise against hosts England (John Walton/PA)

Bangladesh skipper Mortaza expects a tough test against the world's top-ranked ODI team. He said: "They are one of the biggest sides in this tournament. It's not going to be easy, we know that. But again, if we can play our best possible cricket, you never know. We should bring some of the positive stuff we got (from the narrow defeat to New Zealand). If we can manage the next match, I think it can be a good match."

amp_article__361361 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-06-07 10:21:04:
html db last update - 2019-06-07 10:21:04 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .