Bangladesh who was a quarterfinalist of the 2015 World Cup and semi-finalist in the 2017 Champions Trophy, is set to compete in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
Despite being the regulars of the ICC main tournaments, they have struggled to make a significant impact in recent years.
After the retirement of Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh will field a set to youngsters in the upcoming ICC event. After suffering a series loss to West Indies, Bangladesh has to revive their side before the 50-over tournament.
Bangladesh had suffered a major blow with AM Ghazanfar ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to injury.
Placed in Group A stages, Bangladesh will play their group stage matches against India, Pakistan and New Zealand.
With aiming for making an impact in the tournament, Bangladesh will field a set to balanced combination of batters, bowlers and all-rounders.
Listed below are Pakistan’s best possible lineup for the Champions Trophy.
Tanzid Hasan
The left hander Tanzid Hasan will play a pivotal role in laying foundation at Bangladesh’s top order. His ability to handle pace and spin in the new ball will determine his success in the Champions Trophy.
Having played 21 ODIs, Hasan has accumulated 413 runs which included three fifties. His presence could come in handy for Bangladesh to put up a solid performance in the upcoming ICC tournament.
Soumya Sarkar
The all-rounder Soumya Sarkar who has 2198 runs in 75 ODIs, including three centuries and 13 fifties can also provide assistance in bowling department. He picked 16 wickets with his medium pace which makes the side to field him as a seasoned campaigner.
Known for his aggressive approach, he can provide quick starts at the top order. However, his consistency has been a concern and he must deliver consistently to cement his spot in the playing 11.
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
The Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has been a steady performer for the Bangladesh with 1488 runs in 47 ODIs with an average of 35.
His composed batting style and ability to anchor the innings makes him the backbone of Bangladesh’s batting lineup. His captaincy will lead the side from front in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
The 27 year old right handed Mehidy Hasan Miraz is known for breaking partnerships and can be a game changer in crucial moments. His batting in the middle order makes him a crucial player and brings in stability in the lineup.
Played 103 ODIs, Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored 1599 runs and has 110 wickets in 103 matches. His ability to contribute with both bat and abll will key to Bangladesh’s chances in the tournament.
Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
One of the senior players Mushfiqur Rahim comes in handy with his wicketkeeping skills and vast experience makes him a key player in the middle order. Playing 272 ODIs, Rahim scored 7793 runs which included nine centuries and 49 fifties.
His ability to rotate, strike, and play spin well will be vital in subcontinent conditions. Mushfiqur Rahim often emerges as savior when the team is under pressure. His presence offers a vast experience to the youngster.
Towhid Hridoy
A middle order batter Hridoy has played 33 ODIs to score 877 runs which includes 34 at an average of 34. His ability to accelerate the scoring in the middle overs will be crucial for Bangladesh.
Known for his aggressive strokes under pressure, Hridoy could come in handy for crucial times during the Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy campaign.
Jaker Ali
The youngster Jaker Ali who has played only five ODIs has 151 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 118. His ability increase the firepower in the lower order make him a dangerous finisher for the side.
If given more opportunities he could emerge as Bangladesh’s more reliable batter in the middle order.
Rishad Hossain
The leg spinner Rishad Hossain has only limited appearance in the ODI format. He has scored five wickets in seven ODIs. Known for his hitting ability, his highest score of 48* in ODI format makes him a potential as a lower order hitter.
His spinning assistance adds variety to the Bangladesh attack. His ability to pick wickets in middle overs will be essential against strong opposition.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib
A promising young pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib has 13 wickets in nine ODIs. His ability to swing the ball and generate pace could make him a key asset for Bangladesh’s attack.
His ability to deliver early breakthrough can help the side to restrict opposition for a low total. If his performance gains consistency, he could emerge as frontline pacer for Bangladesh.
Mustafizur Rahman
One of the most successful bowlers, Mustafizur has claimed 172 wickets in 107 ODIs. He particularly lethal in the death overs, often outclass batters. If he regains his peak form, he will be Bangladesh’s go-to bowler in pressure conditions.
He could come in handy for the Bangladesh in Champions Trophy campaign. His variations makes him a dangerous bowler in any conditions.
Taskin Ahmed
Taskin Ahmed‘s pace and aggression to the Bangladesh bowling lineup has brought up in 109 wickets in 77 ODIs. His ability to pick up early wickets will be vital for the team’s success.
He has improved his fitness and pace, making him a reliable strike bowler. His partnership with Mustafizur will be crucial in Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy campaign.
