Bangladesh led by Mashrafe Bin Mortaza is brimming with confidence following a tri-nation series win in Ireland as the other team included Windies. Meanwhile, former Team India leg-spinner and coach Anil Kumble believes the Tigers have done significantly well in the recent past. He added the distinct teams should not consider Bangladesh as an easy option during the fast-approaching ICC World Cup 2019.
Bangladesh has improved a lot:
Indeed, the triumph has an impact as they have had failed in six attempts to win the multi-team event.
“You can’t take Bangladesh lightly anymore. They have done really well over the last few years,” CricketNext quoted Kumble, as saying.
The 48-year-old Kumble, who is fondly known as ‘Jumbo’ has heaped praise on fast bowler Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. He added the senior Bangladesh campaigner has often taken the decision which benefited Bangladesh.
The veteran cricketer Kumble maintained one would feel the difference when Mortaza will lead Bangladesh players during the impending ICC World Cup 2019.
“Mashrafe Mortaza is a very good leader. He has rallied around the team and takes the right decisions. When he will be captaining, one will see a different Bangladesh team,” he added,” he said.
Shakib is Mortaza’s deputy:
On the other side, vice-captain Shakib Al Hasan will form the core with Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad and Sabbir Rahman respectively. Well, there’s a shortcoming in the bowling department despite senior campaigner leading as the pace spearhead.
Besides, Kumble feels Bangladesh should play their A game given to their knockout games. He remarked their challenge is to prove credentials during the crunch moments of the game.
“When they get to those knockout matches, they somehow don’t lift their game. That will be the challenge that this Bangladesh team will have,” he concluded.
The Tigers will begin their World Cup show against South Africa on June 2 at The Oval Stadium.
Ahead of the World Cup, Bangladesh will face Pakistan and India in their two group stage fixtures. They will take on Men in Green on May 26 at the Cardiff, before facing the Men in Blue on May 28 at the same venue.