How the 15 Players of Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy Squad Have Performed in the BPL

The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy is set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan, where the hosts will face New Zealand in the opening match in Karachi. Eight teams will participate in the tournament after an eight-year gap, with Bangladesh placed in Group ‘A’ alongside India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. The Tigers will start their campaign on February 20 against India in Dubai, followed by matches against New Zealand on February 24 and Pakistan on February 27, both in Rawalpindi.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy in the middle of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Although the format is different, the BPL served as a platform for the players to prove themselves ahead of the global event. However, after the squad announcement, several key players failed to perform as expected. Many of the team’s main batters and bowlers lacked consistency throughout the group stage. The squad can still be changed, as ICC regulations allow modifications until February 11. This means the team management could consider replacing any out-of-form players with new options.

Top-Order Performance in the BPL

Among Bangladesh’s top-order batters in the Champions Trophy squad, Tanzid Hasan Tamim has been the standout performer. In 12 matches, he scored 485 runs, setting a record for hitting the most sixes in this BPL edition. With an average of 44.09 and a strike rate of 141.39, he registered one century and four half-centuries, signaling his excellent form.

On the other hand, Soumya Sarkar, who missed the early part of the tournament due to injury, made a strong comeback with a brilliant 74-run knock in his last group-stage match. Parvez Hossain Emon, picked as a backup opener, managed only 220 runs in 10 matches at an average of 22.00, with just one half-century. However, the most disappointing performance came from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. In five matches, he scored just 56 runs, with his highest being 41. His poor form is a major concern for the team ahead of a high-profile event like the Champions Trophy, especially considering he isn't even making it into the Fortune Barishal playing XI in the BPL.

Middle and Lower-Middle Order Performance

The performances of Bangladesh’s middle and lower-middle order batters in the BPL have been mixed. Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been effective with both bat and ball, scoring 353 runs with a highest score of 74*, averaging 32.09 with a strike rate of 136.82. He also claimed 10 wickets in 12 matches, with a bowling average of 34.10 and an economy rate of 8.31. Bangladesh will be relying on his all-round contributions in the Champions Trophy.

Mahmudullah Riyad accumulated 199 runs at an impressive average of 39.80 and a strike rate of 149.62, registering two half-centuries. He played three crucial innings against Chattogram, Khulna, and Rajshahi.

Jaker Ali scored 241 runs in 12 matches, with a highest score of 47*, averaging 24.10 with a strike rate of 127.51. Though he hasn’t been in top form, Bangladesh will be counting on his finishing ability in the slog overs. However, the performances of Mushfiqur Rahim and Towhid Hridoy have been somewhat underwhelming. Mushfiq scored 168 runs in 12 matches at an average of 28.00 and a strike rate of 124.44, with a highest score of 42*. Meanwhile, Hridoy managed 198 runs in 12 games at an average of 18.00 and a strike rate of 126.92, with his best score being 48.

Spin Bowling Struggles

Bangladesh’s spin attack has not been very promising in this BPL. Rishad Hossain took six wickets in nine matches but had an expensive economy rate of 8.22. Nasum Ahmed picked up eight wickets in 10 games with an economy rate of 8.03 and an average of 27.12. Their inability to take crucial breakthroughs could become a major concern for Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy.

Pace Attack Performance

Taskin Ahmed has been in exceptional form, finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the BPL group stage with 25 wickets in 12 matches. His economy rate of 6.49 and strike rate of 11.1 indicate his ability to provide regular breakthroughs.

Mustafizur Rahman took 13 wickets but had an economy rate of 7.35. While there are some concerns about his effectiveness in the death overs, his experience still makes him a key asset.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib impressed with 16 wickets in nine matches, though he needs to work on his economy rate of 8.19. Meanwhile, Nahid Rana started the tournament well but struggled to maintain consistency, picking up 10 wickets in 11 matches with an economy rate of 8.43.

Overall, the pace attack has posed a significant challenge for opponents, but concerns remain about their effectiveness in the death overs. If Taskin and Tanzim can maintain their form, Bangladesh’s pace unit could play a crucial role in the Champions Trophy.

Key Takeaways from BPL Performance

• Top-order stability: Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Soumya Sarkar have shown promise, but they must carry their BPL form into the national team.
• Middle-order inconsistency: Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been a bright spot, while Mahmudullah has played some good innings. However, Mushfiqur Rahim and Towhid Hridoy’s struggles raise concerns.
• Spin concerns: The spinners have failed to provide breakthroughs, which is worrying ahead of a major tournament.
• Pace bowling strength: Taskin Ahmed has been in top form, while Mustafizur Rahman’s death-over bowling remains a concern.

For Bangladesh to perform well in the Champions Trophy, they will need their batting lineup to be more consistent and their spin attack to step up. However, the pace attack, led by Taskin, remains the team’s biggest strength heading into the tournament.

Bangladesh Squad for the Champions Trophy

1. Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
2. Mushfiqur Rahim
3. Mahmudullah Riyad
4. Mehidy Hasan Miraz
5. Soumya Sarkar
6. Towhid Hridoy
7. Jaker Ali
8. Tanzid Hasan Tamim
9. Taskin Ahmed
10. Nahid Rana
11. Tanzim Hasan Sakib
12. Mustafizur Rahman
13. Rishad Hossain
14. Nasum Ahmed
15. Parvez Hossain Emon

Written by: Atik Shams
(Only group stage performances have been considered.)