Miraz confident Bangladesh can reach ICC Champions Trophy semifinals again

The Champions Trophy is set to take place in about a month. With the absence of Shakib, Tamim, and Liton from the tournament, many are not very optimistic about Bangladesh’s chances. However, national team all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz remains confident that Bangladesh will make it to the semifinals of the Champions Trophy.

In a press conference on Wednesday, recalling the previous edition of the Champions Trophy, Miraz said, "We played in the semifinals in 2017 in England. I am hopeful that, Insha Allah, we will make it to the semifinals again."

Nevertheless, Miraz acknowledges the challenges posed by foreign conditions, adding, "There are two very different conditions. We played in Dubai, and as you mentioned, we reached the final against India in 2018. The conditions there are quite different. The wickets are different, the weather is usually hot, and sometimes the wickets favor the bowlers, while at other times, they favor the batsmen. But we know what the conditions are like here."

Bangladesh will play two matches in Rawalpindi against Pakistan and New Zealand. It was here, just a few months ago, that Bangladesh won back-to-back Test matches against Pakistan. This victory gives the team added confidence going into the Champions Trophy, says the all-rounder.

"Rawalpindi is definitely a big opportunity for us. Since we played two Test matches on the same ground in Pakistan, we know the conditions there and what the wicket is like. This will give every player added confidence. Especially for me, as I was named Player of the Series there. The wicket will be very good, but it will also be challenging for the bowlers. We, as bowlers, will be thinking about how we can perform well there," he added.