The ICC World Cup 2023 is fast approaching, scheduled to start on October 5. Bangladesh are set to participate as the underdogs but with the capability to surprise strong opponents. They have had a somewhat mixed year in ODI cricket in 2023, securing wins in 8 out of the 20 matches they’ve played (with 3 matches ending in no result). Nevertheless, their win against India in the Asia Cup serves as proof that they have the potential to change their fortunes. Despite grappling with a few injuries, the Bangladesh team is entering the World Cup with aspirations of clinching their first ICC Trophy.
Bangladesh’s performance in 2019 World Cup
Bangladesh entered the ODI World Cup 2019 with slim hopes of reaching the top four and advancing to the knockout rounds. Despite an initial upset win against South Africa, losses to New Zealand and England followed. A rain-affected match against Sri Lanka added to their challenges. They surprised everyone by chasing down a 322-run target against the West Indies but faced losses to Australia. They needed to win against India and Pakistan, but with England beating India and New Zealand and Bangladesh losing to India again, their knockout stage hopes were dashed finishing in the 8th spot.
Bangladesh’s World Cup 2023 schedule
Bangladesh’s ODI World Cup 2023 campaign starts with a clash against Afghanistan on October 7, followed by a challenging encounter with the defending champions, England, on October 10. On October 13, they take on New Zealand, and on October 19, they go head-to-head with the hosts, India. Continuing their campaign, Bangladesh will confront South Africa on October 24, the Netherlands on October 28, and Pakistan on October 31. November brings them face-to-face with Sri Lanka on the 6th and a final encounter against Australia on the 12th.
| Date | Match Details | Venue | Time (IST) |
| October 7 | Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, 3rd Match | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala | 10:30 AM |
| October 10 | Bangladesh vs England, 7th Match | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala | 2:00 PM |
| October 13 | Bangladesh vs New Zealand, 11th Match | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 10:30 AM |
| October 19 | Bangladesh vs India, 17th Match | Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune | 2:00 PM |
| October 24 | Bangladesh vs South Africa, 23rd Match | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 2:00 PM |
| October 28 | Bangladesh vs Netherlands, 28th Match | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 2:00 PM |
| October 31 | Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 31st Match | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 2:00 PM |
| November 6 | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 38th Match | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 2:00 PM |
| November 12 | Bangladesh vs Australia, 44th Match | Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune | 10:30 AM |
Also Read:
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- India Squad for World Cup 2023
- Rohit Sharma trophy collection
- Not Shubman Gill, Babar Azam remains No 1 ODI batter, Know why
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Bangladesh currently boasts one of the strongest spin bowling units in international 50-over cricket. Spinners like Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz possess exceptional skills, consistently taking wickets while maintaining tight control over the run rate.
Weaknesses
Bangladesh face a significant weakness in the form of injuries, with the team missing key players like Tamim Iqbal and pacer Ebadot Hossain. This absence raises concerns, particularly in the opening partnership, which will lack experience. The absence of a potent bowler like Hossain is also a worrying factor, given his ability to strike crucial blows. Tamim Iqbal, who is widely regarded as one of Bangladesh’s top batters, won’t be available due to a back injury, adding to their challenges.
Opportunities
While Bangladesh have shown competitiveness in recent major tournaments, reaching the semi-finals in the 2017 Champions Trophy and the quarter-finals in the 2015 ODI World Cup, they have yet to clinch a major tournament victory in their history. The upcoming couple of months will be pivotal in shaping the team’s legacy. Captain Shakib, despite an impressive performance in 2019, also aspires to secure a major trophy to further enhance his career.
Threats
Bangladesh are set to face tough competition from stronger teams such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa, which boast more balanced sides. Their side, in contrast, enters the World Cup with less experience and a less balanced team compared to these formidable opponents.
Bangladesh World Cup Squad
Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (vc), Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib
