ODI World Cup 2023: SWOT analysis of Bangladesh Cricket Team - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

Bangladesh will go to the World Cup 2023 as the underdogs but they have the ability to give headaches to the favourites of the tournament. This year, they have been decent in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), with eight wins out of 20 matches. Ahead of the Asia Cup 2023, the captaincy mantle was handed to Shakib Al Hasan due to Tamim Iqbal’s fitness issues.

The change in leadership might help the Bangla side as Shakib is arguably the best player in the Bangladesh side. The veteran is known for leading the team from the front with his all-round skills and in the upcoming competition, Bangladesh will be expected to exhibit a fighting spirit against other sides under their stylish all-rounder.

Shakib and his men will look to take advantage of sub-continent pitches to fare well in the upcoming competition. Prior to the massive one-day tournament in India, it’s time to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the Bangla team.

Here is the SWOT analysis of the Sri Lanka cricket team

Strengths

Superb spin-bowling unit

Bangladesh will have one of the finest spin attacks in the World Cup 2023. Captain Shakib will spearhead the spin-bowling unit of the side. Mehidy Hasan Miraz will support his skipper to add strength to the department. Shakib has claimed 308 wickets in 240 appearances in his 17-year ODI career and is the leading wicket-taker for Bangladesh.

In the World Cup 2023, the 36-year-old will be expected to make an essential contribution to the team with the ball. Shakib is also the highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh in World Cups, picking up 34 scalps in 29 ODIs at an economy of 5.11. The team will revolve around Shakib in the World Cup 2023 due to his vast international experience.

Mehidy, who will assist Shakib, will play in World Cups for the second time. The right-arm off-spinner holds an impressive bowling record in the Indian sub-continent. The 25-year-old has grabbed 56 wickets in 45 ODIs at an economy of 4.55. The numbers of both spinners indicate that they can do wonders for Bangladesh with their experience and brilliance.

Balanced squad

Bangladesh have arrived in India for the World Cup 2023 with a balanced squad. A blend of experienced names and new talents may prove beneficial for the team. Veterans such as Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah will be expected to step up and inspire youngsters such as Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Shoriful Islam, and Hasan Mahmud to give their best to the team.

Weaknesses

Opening conundrum

Tamim Iqbal, the leading run-scorer for Bangladesh in ODIs, hasn’t been picked up in the World Cup team. The veteran opener’s unavailability cost the Bangla team in the Asia Cup 2023. In his absence, the team management trusted Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tanzid Hasan, and Mohammad Naim to open innings for the side but all these players failed to give their best in crucial contests.

Litton Das is back in the squad for the World Cup but it would be important to see who’s going to support him as an opener. Tanzid failed to justify his role with the bat in the Asia Cup 2023, scoring only 13 runs in two matches. Miraz notched up 158 runs in five matches of the continental competition but his huge chunk of runs came from the innings against Afghanistan at the Gaddafi Stadium. Against quality sides, Miraz also struggled to be among the runs. Bangladesh’s decision to snub experienced Tamim may prove costly to them in the 2023 World Cup.

Injuries

Injuries might also derail Bangladesh’s upcoming World Cup campaign as pacer Ebadot Hossain won’t participate in the tournament due to his knee injury. The speedster picked up the injury during a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in July. The Bangla team management was keeping track of his improvement but eventually, the 29-year-old failed to reserve his spot in Bangladesh’s 15-member team.     

Opportunities

The 2023 World Cup is the best opportunity for Team Bangladesh to deliver their best performance. They aren’t considered the side to go near the coveted trophy but the endeavours of this team will be to make their campaign notable. Sides such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and England need to be wary of the Bangla side as Shakib and Co. have the potential to cause damage to them.

In the 2007 World Cup, Bangladesh beat India by five wickets and made a crucial contribution in sending the Men in Blue back home after the group round. Similarly, the Bangla team grabbed a lot of eyeballs for thrashing South Africa by 21 runs in the 2019 World Cup. The defeat shattered the confidence of the Proteas as they failed to qualify for the knockouts. 

The Bangla side will strive to take advantage of the friendly conditions of India to be effective against their rivals in the 2023 World Cup. Players such as Shakib and Mustafizur have played a lot of cricket in the Indian Premier League (IPL) which is played in India usually. Both senior stalwarts will be required to utilise their experience in Bangladesh’s favour.  

Threats

Reputation in front of the heavyweights

Bangladesh are still the minnows in ODI cricket as they’ve failed to be consistent against quality teams such as India, Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and England. These big teams have a lot of experienced match-winners while the Bangla team are carrying players who lack experience.   

Controversies

Before the humongous ODI tournament, Bangladesh saw themselves engulfed in controversies. The war of words between present skipper Shakib and former captain Tamim gave bytes to mediapersons. The fight between two legends of the Bangla team might impact the Bangla side negatively. Both players are admired by their teammates and the feud between the two might set a wrong precedent for the Bangla players who are participating in the upcoming competition. 

Also Check: All time records in ODI World Cup