Razia DesaiDubai, UAE – Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed confidence in his team’s ability to challenge two-time champions India, in their opening match of the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
With a strong pace attack and a balanced squad, Shanto believes Bangladesh has the firepower to make a strong start in the tournament.
“All departments have to click if we are to beat India. We have good memories against them, and if we execute our plans well, we have a good chance,” Shanto said during the pre-match press conference.
He emphasized the importance of relying on the team’s quality all-rounders and not overthinking the challenge ahead.
“All teams in the tournament are capable of winning, and we fancy our chances,” he added.
Bangladesh’s pace attack, led by Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, along with the promising young pacer Nahid Rana, has been a key talking point.
Rana, who has taken 20 wickets in six Tests and four scalps in three ODIs, has impressed in his short career.
Shanto praised the team’s bowling balance, stating, “We are very happy to have a fast bowler like Rana in the squad. If he plays, he will do the job for us. Our team has a good balance of spin and pace.”
The absence of veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who was left out after being suspended from bowling due to a suspected action, has not dampened the team’s spirits.
Shanto remained unfazed, highlighting the development of Bangladesh’s pace attack over the last two years.
“Shakib’s absence is not a factor. This is the best seam attack Bangladesh has had. We need to adjust quickly to the conditions here, as the pitches are not as high-scoring as in Pakistan. But we know we will get a lot of crowd support,” he said.
In Shakib’s absence, the responsibility will fall on experienced players like Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mahmudullah to contribute with both bat and ball.
On the other hand, India will be without their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury.
However, Shanto dismissed any focus on individual absences, stating, “We are not thinking about Bumrah or any other individual. India have a lot of quality players.”
As both teams prepare for the high-stakes encounter, Bangladesh will look to leverage their balanced squad and potent pace attack to challenge the formidable Indian side.
The match promises to be an exciting contest as Bangladesh aims to make a statement in the opener of the Dubai leg of the tournament.
