ICC World Cup 2019 | Bangaldesh’s predicted XI for their World Cup opener against South Africa

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Mashrafe Mortaza-led Bangladesh are tipped to cause a few upsets in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019 and will hope that they can live up to the expectations as they gear up to begin their World Cup campaign. The Tigers will take on Faf du Plessis & Co. at the Kennington Oval on Sunday.

Openers

Tamim Iqbal: One of Bangladesh’s most lethal batsmen, Iqbal will be the prime threat for the South African outfit at the World Cup this year. With an average of 36.26 from 193 ODIs, the 30-year-old will shoulder most of the responsibility with the bat for Bangladesh at the top.

Soumya Sarkar: With a strike rate of almost 100, Soumya Sarkar will be the most suitable partner for veteran Iqbal at the top of the Bangladesh batting order. At 26, Sarkar has amassed almost 1500 runs in the ODI format from 44 matches for Bangladesh.

Middle-order

Sabbir Rahman: Rahman was involved in the final of the recent tri-series win against the Windies during which Bangladesh remained undefeated. He has been a regular feature in the national side but is yet to make some significant contributions with the bat.

Mushfiqur Rahim: Rahim is an old war-horse for the Bangladesh team along with the likes of Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza. The wicket-keeper batsman is a dangerous player in the middle-order and will be tasked with building the Bangladesh innings throughout the tournament. 

Mohammad Mithun: Mithun is a relatively new addition to the national team but has flourished in the middle-order in recent months. The 28-year old has an average of 32.31 from 18 ODIs with the senior team and will hope to start the tournament strong against South Africa on Sunday.

Mahmudullah: 33-year old Mahmudullah began his career as a bowler but translated into a handy batsman. A decent off-break bowler, Mahmudullah has an average of 34.15 in the limited-overs format and will serve as a good finisher for Bangladesh.

Mosaddek Hussain: One of the most promising youngsters to emerge from Bangladesh, Hossain starred in the tri-series final against the Windies where he scored a brilliant half-century from just 24 deliveries. Still 23, Hossain will hope to establish himself on the international stage with some impressive performances in England.

All-rounders

Shakib Al Hasan: Shakib will be a threat with the bat in the lower batting-order, he has developed into a handy finisher in shorter formats as seen with his stints in the IPL with KKR and SRH. The southpaw will look to score some big runs in the death and put pressure on South Africa.

Mehidy Hassan: Aged 21, Hassan is an attacking bowling all-rounder who is able to contribute on the field as well. Hassan scored 27 in the last warm-up game against India and his 29 wickets from 28 ODIs will offer captain Mortaza a handy bowling option in the middle overs.

Pacers

Mashrafe Mortaza (C): Mortaza has emerged as a formidable bowler and an even better leader in the last couple years as he helped the national team create history by remaining undefeated in the tri-series against the Windies. A veteran of 209 ODIs, Mortaza’s experience on the big stage will serve as a huge advantage for Bangladesh who will enter as underdogs in the tie against South Africa.

Mustafizur Rahman: An economy rate of below 5 is hard to come across in ODI cricket these days but Rahman is one of the few bowlers to boast of such a record. At 4.88, Rahman is clearly one of the most economical bowlers in the ODI format and will be a major threat to the opening batsmen in tricky English conditions that favour pacers.

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