World Cup 2023 Review: Bangladesh – Asian tigers go missing
Much of the discussion surrounding the Bangladesh cricket team ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023 was about the rift between Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal. The former led the team to the marquee event. Bangladesh were expected to do well as they had produced consistent performances in ODI cricket in subcontinental conditions.
However, things didn’t transpire as they would have planned. The ‘Bangla Tigers’ finished eighth on the points table with just two wins and seven losses from nine games. They just managed to qualify for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, who finished ninth and 10th on the points table, couldn’t make the cut. Shakib’s men picked up wins against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in the tournament.
Top batter
Mahmudullah
The experienced campaigner looked in fine touch during the tournament. Mahmudullah finished with 328 runs from seven innings at an average of 54.66 and a strike rate of 91.62. He scored one fifty and one century in the tournament. It was surprising that a player of his calibre was dropped after playing the first game. However, he played all the games after the second game and finished as the highest run-getter for his team.
Top bowler
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
In nine games, the talented off-spinner picked up 10 wickets at an average of 40.20 and a strike rate of 43.20. Mehidy’s numbers were not very impressive but it only accentuates the forgettable campaign Bangladesh had in the World Cup.
X-factor player
Towhid Hridoy
The 22-year-old is one of the most promising batting talents in Bangladesh. He came into the World Cup on the back of some excellent performances but
couldn’t do justice to his potential on the big stage. However, he showed glimpses of his capability in the backend of the tournament. In Bangladesh’s last game against eventual champions Australia, Hridoy scored a brilliant 74 off 79 balls, batting at No. 4 and that knock was praised by fans and experts alike.
Most memorable moment
Bangladesh’s most memorable moment came in their penultimate match of the tournament against Sri Lanka. They were set a target of 280 in Delhi. Thanks to half-centuries from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan and a late cameo from Towhid Hridoy, Bangladesh successfully chased the target in the 42nd over to pull off a memorable three-wicket win.
