World Cup 2023 | SWOT Analysis of Bangladesh

image-ln4c04zuShakib al Hasan will be leading Bangladesh in World Cup 2023 (Source: Twitter)

From all the participating ten teams in the 2023 World Cup, Bangladesh was the last team to announce their 15-man squad for the mega-event starting October 5. The Bangladesh cricket fans are currently divided on the opinion of Tamim Iqbal being pruned from the colossal event. Skipper Shakib Al Hasan went exclusive in an attempt to clarify the tensions prevailing around their cricket fraternity while Tamim went live on social media to express his own opinions.

Amidst all the chaos, the Bangladesh cricket team will be looking forward to cultivate some positives and play with a clear mindset in the upcoming Championship rumble. The Tigers have made some major chop and changes in their squad. Obviously, one of them being dropping Tamim Iqbal due to his inconsistent fitness. Also, the likes of Afif Hossain, Mohammad Naim, Soumya Sarkar, Ebadot Hossain (injury) failed to make the cut. In a fan-favourite perspective, Mahmudullah Riyad made a comeback for the high-octane contests that are on queue.


Bangladesh Squad for World Cup 2023:

Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (vc), Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nasum Ahmed, Sheikh Mahedi Hasan,  Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.


Strength of Bangladesh for World Cup 2023

Middle Order Batting

Bangladesh's middle order has been their primary force with the bat in hand. It is that part of the body which possess a good mix of experience and talent. Shakib Al Hasan, the captain has been a game-changer with the bat in his whole career. The all-rounder has seen the likes of Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah tailor crucial runs in crunch situations against higher-ranked oppositions on various occasions. In addition, the rise of Towhid Hridoy as a stabilizier may pay rich dividends to Bangladesh batting department.

Plethora of spin options

Bangladesh have four spinners in the squad who can bowl ten overs quota. The presence of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Shakib Al Hasan and Sheikh Mahedi Hasan are enough to extract juice from spin-friendly conditions. Stacking up the limits are Mahmudullah Riyad and Towhid Hridoy who can bowl handy part-time finger spin. A lot of the surfaces are going to be spin friendly in India and therefore the Bangladesh spinners will stand out as one of the best options to regulate the opposition's batting innings.


Weakness of Bangladesh for World Cup 2023

Fragile Top-order

Najmul Hossain Shanto's form is the only positive for Bangladesh at the top of the order. Despite suffering from injury, the recent interim skipper showed his class against New Zealand in the third ODI when all other batters failed. 

Bangladesh management have been experimenting way too much with their opening com bination. Firstly, Litton Das' bat has stopped talking in indispensable encounters. Secondly, there is no Tamim Iqbal who used to be a sigh of relief for the Asian side in the opening slot. Tanzim Tamim is way too amateur and failed to transfer his potential in the International stage. It won't be shocking if Bangladesh promotes Shanto or Miraz at the top of the order with Litton.


Opportunity of Bangladesh for World Cup 2023

Shut the noise 

With a lot of chaos in the air, it is the perfect time for the Bangladesh cricket team to put a full stop at the critics. Despite undergoing a rough state of time, the Tigers assemble in India to face some tough challenges. With the conditions being similar to that of home, this is the perfect time for the Shakib Al Hasan-led unit to convert their thoughts into actions and shut the noise.

Pace-battery factory reset

The pacers of Bangladesh were finding the strappings correct on most occasions with the new ball during the Asia Cup 2023. Under coach, Allan Donald, the pace battery looks to be fully charged up and there's an intent converted into action. Mustafizur Rahman has found his revamped version while Taskin Ahmed does peak at the need of hour. Their biggest win is the duo of Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud who have let the new ball talk on most circumstances. 


Threats of Bangladesh for World Cup 2023

Noise pollution in the air

This ain't any science section and you read it correct. There's been too much noise- some spat, some egoistic actions, team versus individual, miscommunication, etc. To make things worst, the negatives have emerged on top of the water lever and it's vividly visible. 

Shakib Al Hasan was reluctant to have the captaincy ache but he was compelled to do so due to a sense of responsibility and surrounding urge. Now, its time to forget the past and march onto the goals with a positive attitude. But is it that easy? It does not seem so. All the members of the World Cup squad including the board members, management staffs, etc, need to come together, fall in one page and battle this war.

Team Report Card of Bangladesh

Attribute
Balance Rating
Top-order6.5/10
Middle-order6.5/10
Lower order5/10
Pacers6.5/10
Spinners7.5/10
Total6.4



Prediction of Bangladesh for World Cup 2023

Bangladesh cricket is going through a torrid time at the moment. Certainly the outside noise may hamper the performance of the Bangladesh cricketing side. But with a blend of experience and youth, this unit can get some valiant win against few of the top ranked nations. It is unlikely that they will make the Knockouts.