As the ICC World Cup 2023 looms on the horizon, celebrated commentator Athar Ali Khan offers his insights on Bangladesh’s prospects in the marquee event set to unfold in India later this year. Khan’s evaluation suggests that Bangladesh possesses a promising chance to secure a berth in the playoffs of this prestigious tournament.
Guiding the Bangladesh team with his seasoned experience, veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is slated to captain the side not only in the Asia Cup 2023 but also in the ODI World Cup 2023. Recognized for their prowess in subcontinent conditions, Bangladesh recently celebrated a series victory against India in the ODI format on their home soil.
In a candid discussion with Boria Majumdar, Athar Ali Khan highlights the distinct blend of seasoned campaigners and burgeoning talents within the Bangladesh squad. Khan underscores their augmented fast bowling prowess, marking a shift from the past.
Khan asserts with conviction, “This presents Bangladesh with their finest opportunity to secure a place among the final four. My words carry weight because I truly believe this, not just as mere rhetoric.”
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Surveying the team’s composition, Khan emphasizes the balanced amalgamation of experience and youth, underscoring the addition of potent fast bowlers to their arsenal. He notes, “Our team composition is compelling evidence of my assertion. We’ve achieved a commendable equilibrium between seasoned campaigners and emerging talents. Unlike the past, when our strengths were primarily spin-based, we now possess the resources of skilled fast bowlers.”
Shakib Al Hasan, who has captained Bangladesh in 52 ODIs, holds a record of 23 victories under his leadership. While his captaincy in the 50-over format dates back to 2017, he currently steers both the T20I and Test squads.
Khan hails Shakib Al Hasan as the premier all-rounder tailored for Indian conditions, accentuating the significance of his extensive IPL experience. Khan believes that Shakib’s familiarity with the Indian league, coupled with Mustafizur Rahman’s consistent presence in the IPL, positions Bangladesh favorably.
Khan underscores, “With a solid batting lineup and Shakib as the world’s foremost all-rounder for Indian conditions, bolstered by his substantial IPL exposure, we are poised to thrive in these circumstances. Moreover, while we are steadily progressing in T20s, the 50-over format aligns best with our strengths. It’s in this arena that our record shines brightest. It wouldn’t surprise me to witness Bangladesh overcoming formidable opponents and securing a spot in the semi-finals.”
Shakib Al Hasan’s significance is further highlighted by his performance in the 2019 World Cup, where he emerged as the tournament’s third-leading run-scorer. In just eight innings, the left-handed batter amassed 606 runs, boasting an impressive average of 86.57, and also contributed with 11 wickets.