Champions Trophy 2025: Bangladesh - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, And Threats

Bangladesh Team SWOT Analysis for CT 2025 [Source: @CallMeSheri1/x.com]

Bangladesh march into the Champions Trophy 2025 with a squad that leans more on fighting spirit than raw firepower. As they prepare to lock horns with cricketing giants, Bangladesh will have to rely on discipline and their strength to make it beyond the group stage.

Their Champions Trophy campaign kicks off with a high-voltage clash against arch-rivals India in Dubai on February 20. From there, they head to Rawalpindi, where testing battles against New Zealand and hosts Pakistan await. The conditions will be different, the challenges immense but Bangladesh’s biggest battle might just be against history itself.

For the first time since 2007, Bangladesh will enter an ICC event without two of their greatest pillars: Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal. Their absence means the dawn of a new era where a fresh set of players must rise to uphold the nation's cricketing pride.

Ahead of the tournament, let’s dissect Bangladesh’s squad and evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that could define their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.

Bangladesh Squad For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Wicketkeepers: Jaker Ali
Batters: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah
All-rounders: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain
Bowlers: Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana

Strengths Of Bangladesh Team For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

1. Experienced Core

Table - ODI Stats of Mushfiqur Rahim & Mahmudullah

Inference: One of Bangladesh's primary strengths lies in its experienced core which serves as the backbone of the team. Veteran players such as Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah bring a wealth of experience and stability to the squad.

Mushfiqur Rahim, with 272 ODI appearances, has been a consistent performer, amassing 7793 runs at an average of 36.8. His ability to anchor the innings and guide younger players is invaluable.

Similarly, Mahmudullah, with 238 ODIs under his belt, has contributed significantly with both bat and ball, scoring 5685 runs and taking crucial wickets with his off-spin. Their presence provides a sense of assurance and leadership, essential in high-pressure situations.

2. Strong Pace Attack

Table - ODI Stats of  Bangladesh Pace Attack

Inference: Another notable strength is Bangladesh's pace attack, which has shown considerable promise. Taskin Ahmed, leading the bowling unit, has matured into a reliable fast bowler. In the recent Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), he emerged as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 25 wickets and demonstrating his ability to trouble batsmen with pace and bounce.

Mustafizur Rahman, known for his deceptive cutters and death-over expertise, complements Taskin with his unique skill set. The inclusion of young talents like Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Nahid Rana adds depth to the pace department.

Weaknesses Of Bangladesh Team For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

1. Absence of Key Players

The team faces significant challenges, particularly with the absence of key players. The exclusion of all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan due to a suspension for an illegal bowling action, leaves a substantial void. Shakib'sability to contribute with both bat and ball has been important for Bangladesh over the years. His absence not only weakens the middle order but also diminishes the spin-bowling options.

Additionally, the omission of experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Litton Das, following a series of low scores, raises concerns about the top-order stability. Litton's aggressive batting style was instrumental in providing brisk starts and his absence could lead to a more cautious approach, potentially affecting the team's scoring rate.

2. Batting Inconsistency

Table - ODI Stats of Bangladesh Pace Attack

Inference: Batting consistency remains another area of concern. The top four of Bangladesh has exhibited vulnerability, especially against high-quality bowling attacks. The lack of consistency is evident in their batting averages. In recent series, the inability to build solid partnerships has led to collapses, putting pressure on the middle and lower order.

Furthermore, the lack of left-handed batsmen with the exception of Soumya Sarkar, makes the lineup more predictable and easier for opposition bowlers to strategize against. This imbalance could be exploited by teams with potent right-arm off-spinners.

Opportunities For Bangladesh Team In Champions Trophy 2025

1. Leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto

The leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto presents a chance to inject fresh strategies and perspectives into the team dynamics. Shanto's recent performances have shown promise, and his calmness could inspire confidence among teammates.

2. Emerging Talents

Youngsters like Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Towhid Hridoy have showcased potential in domestic circuits. Tanzid, for instance, was the second-highest run-scorer in the latest BPL season, amassing 485 runs at an average of 44.09. 

Tanzim Hasan Sakib also bagged 16 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 18.18 in BPL 2024-25. He has a great opportunity to cement his place in the team by putting in impressive performances.

The inclusion of these young guns provides an opportunity to infuse new energy and address the batting inconsistencies that have plagued the team.

Threats For Bangladesh Team In Champions Trophy 2025

1. Inexperience in High-Stakes Matches

The inexperience in handling high-stakes matches is a pressing concern. The younger players, while talented, lack exposure to the pressures of international tournaments. This inexperience could manifest in critical moments, leading to lapses in judgment or composure. The coaching staff will need to work diligently to prepare these players mentally and tactically for the challenges ahead.

2. Formidable Group Stage Opponents

The Bangladesh team is slated to face formidable opponents in the group stage, including India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. These teams boast strong lineups and have a history of performing well in multinational tournaments. 

Bangladesh's recent form against top-tier teams has been less than stellar, with series losses against the West Indies and Afghanistan highlighting vulnerabilities. The psychological hurdle of overcoming these teams along with the actual on-field challenges, presents a significant threat to progression beyond the group stages.

Predictions For Bangladesh In Champions Trophy 2025

Bangladesh head into the Champions Trophy 2025 as the classic underdogs, stuck in a tough group with India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. They have got experience in Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah but the lack of real firepower could make chasing or defending big totals tricky. 

The bowling attack has promise, especially with Mustafizur’s death-over skills and Nahid Rana’s raw pace but can they step up against top sides? If the youngsters like Tanzid Hasan fire, an upset or two isn’t off the cards, but making it to the semis

---

ALSO READ

Champions Trophy 2025: England - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, And Threats

---