Every side is now wary of Bangladesh: Nasser Hussain

Former England captain Nasser Hussain made it clear that Bangladesh is not a team that can be underestimated during the ICC Champions Trophy. Bangladesh will be taking part in the tournament after 11 years since they last participated in the 2006 edition of the Champions Trophy hosted by India.

Leading up to the tournament, Bangladesh have had two contrasting performances with the bat. Although the team was blown away by India’s pacers in their second warm-up fixture, they put up a mammoth first-innings score against Pakistan. The Tigers were powered by a brilliant hundred from Tamim Iqbal, who scored a 93-ball 102. Useful contributions from Imrul Kayes and Mushfiqur Rahim helped Bangladesh post a total of 341 on the board.

Furthermore, Bangladesh have played some fighting cricket over the last couple of years. Their most recent achievement was beating New Zealand in an ODI outside home and winning a Test match against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka for the first time, which was incidentally a landmark 100th Test for the Tigers. Nasser Hussain seemed to believe Bangladesh have what it takes to be successful in the mega-event that begins in England on June 1.

Bangladesh have had some incredible results: Nasser Hussain

“I think they have come really well in the last year or two. And some of their results have been incredible. They have played very well recently. They won that Test match (against Sri Lanka) deservedly and could have won the series as well. But they just need to go through those pressure moments. Sometimes you see when Bangladesh are under pressure, they react a bit too much. If they can get the coach and the team to just remain calm, they have got the ability definitely,” Nasser said.

The Englishman was perhaps referring to Bangladesh’s shocking loss to India in the 2016 World T20. Needing 2 off 3 balls to knock hosts India out of the tournament, Bangladesh lost wickets off all the remaining deliveries to eventually lose the game by one run. The match witnessed a dramatic turnaround, much to the disappointment of the Bangladeshi fans who were earlier dancing in the aisles.

“They have got the players. Some of them are very experienced, which makes them a very experienced team now. You know people have been there for a long time. All they need to do is to keep calm in the pressure moments. And I think they could be successful,” the former English captain reiterated about Bangladesh’s strength.

In particular, Bangladesh will bank on their left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who has been a find for the national team in the last couple of years. Nasser mentioned that he is looking forward to seeing Mustafizur in action, who is certainly going to be aided by the soggy English conditions.

Anticipating Mustafizur’s return

“I love watching the Fizz (Mustafizur Rahman). I hope he stays fit as he delivers under pressure and his death bowling is going to be very, very important. So Bangladesh have got a good chance. It will no longer be a surprise if they beat any of the sides. Every side is now wary of Bangladesh,” Nasser Hussain concluded.

Bangladesh will feature in the curtain-raiser for this edition of the Champions Trophy as they take on hosts England on June 1 at The Oval.