The no.1 ODI all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan believes that India and England are the favourites to win the upcoming Cricket World Cup, but only the favourites tag can’t help them to win the Cricket World Cup. He thinks that every participating team is ready for this forthcoming tournament.
A total of top ten teams will participate in the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup that will run from 30th May to 14th July in England and Wales.
Like the many experts, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan also believes that India and England are the favourites for the upcoming Cricket World cup. However, he also feels that they will face hard competition against the other teams who are also ready for this tournament.
According to IANS, Shakib said, “India and England are obviously favorites, but that doesn’t get you the crown. You need to do the hard yards to win a tournament like the World Cup. Australia has been doing well recently and West Indies have peaked at the right time. To be honest, all the teams look like they are ready for a fight. Depends who on that day does well.”
This time I think we have a genuine chance of winning the tournament – Shakib Al Hasan
In the last four years, Bangladesh has performed very well, especially in ODI cricket. In this period, they have achieved some great successes against the stronger sides.
Shakib believes that the present Bangladesh team can win the upcoming Cricket World Cup. To make their dream successful, Shakib feels that they have to play well consistently.
He said, “This time I think we have a genuine chance of winning the tournament, but keeping the format of the tournament in mind, we must look to play well consistently. If we can do that, we can definitely look at qualifying for the knockouts and take it forward from there. I am confident that we will do well this time.”
As he didn’t play many games in the IPL 2019 (played only three matches), Shakib gave his importance to prepare for the upcoming Cricket World Cup.
The all-rounder added, “Personally, obviously I wish that Bangladesh win the trophy this time. But a lot of factors need to click together for that dream to be realized. While I didn’t play much in the IPL, I had been working hard on my game and was looking to prepare for the World Cup. Gave it my all in the practice sessions and tried to maximize the output in every training session.”
Consistency is an important factor to go all the way – Shakib Al Hasan
Though Shakib is a little worried about the bowling of Bangladesh national cricket team, he is still confident about this experienced side. He feels that consistency will play an essential role in the upcoming Cricket World Cup.
Shakib quoted, “I think we have a very good side, I am a little worried about the bowling, both new ball and the death. But I am very much optimistic that we can go the whole length. We have the experience, have guys who have played 3 or 4 World Cups. It is a good thing as we know what we need to do. Need to get the momentum early on. I am confident. Anyone can beat anyone on their day. Consistency is an important factor to go all the way.”
I feel playing in the T20 leagues around the world has really helped our boys – Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan also believes that participating in the various foreign T20 leagues are hugely helping the Bangladesh cricketers to grow up.
He said, “I feel playing in the T20 leagues around the world has really helped our boys in recent times as you gain in experience. Apart from building your own game, you also get to see other stars closely and try and learn from them as well. It has helped us become more competitive as a unit.”
Bangladesh will start their new Cricket World Cup journey on 2nd June when they will meet South Africa at The Oval (London).
Ahead of the Cricket World Cup, Bangladesh will play two warm-up matches, like the other participating teams. On 26th May, Bangladesh will play their first warm-up game against Pakistan at Cardiff. Later, they will face India in their second warm-up match on 28th May at the same venue (Cardiff).