England continue their quest for World Cup glory when they face Bangladesh on Saturday in Cardiff.
The hosts are bidding to get their tournament back on track at Sophia Gardens following Monday’s surprise 14-run defeat to Pakistan.
Here, Press Association Sport takes a closer look at their opponents.
Tournament so far
Bangaldesh register their first victory in @cricketworldcup 2019 by defeating @OfficialCSA by 21 runs at The Oval. #RiseOfTheTigers #BANvSA #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/fNsCQL21XJ
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) June 2, 2019
Ranked seventh in the world, Bangladesh began by upsetting South Africa. They then fell agonisingly short during Wednesday’s two-wicket loss to New Zealand. After being bowled out for 244 at The Oval, the Tigers gave the 2015 runners-up a serious scare. Ultimately, they were left with too much to do in the field but could count themselves extremely unlucky after the Black Caps survived a series of possible run-outs to win with 17 balls remaining.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Star man
With 679 runs and 26 wickets, Shakib Al Hasan has more runs and wickets than any other Bangladeshi player in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups ✊ pic.twitter.com/ba5g3QY80E
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 6, 2019
While much is expected of opener Tamim, Shakib has shone brightest so far. The 32-year-old, rated as one of the world’s best all-rounders, justified the hype with a player-of-the-match performance in the surprise win over the Proteas, which included an impressive knock of 75 and the wicket of Aiden Markram. He carried that form into the New Zealand clash, producing another half-century (64) before dismissing openers Martin Guptill and Colin Munro.
Talking point
“I don’t think we should go after him. He wants to pick the ball up, but suddenly it hits his elbow. That sort of mistake happens.”
Bangladesh captain Masrafe Mortaza backs up Mushfiqur Rahim after his error cost his side the wicket of Kane WIlliamson.#RiseOfTheTigers pic.twitter.com/NRugGdxnxq
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 5, 2019
Bangladesh could have travelled to south Wales with a 100 per cent record had diminutive wicketkeeper Rahim not clumsily clattered into the stumps to prevent Kane Williamson being run-out. Black Caps captain Williamson capitalised on the reprieve to form a crucial 105-run partnership with Ross Taylor. Tigers captain Mortaza refused to criticise his team-mate for the error and it will be interesting to see how Rahim responds.
Captain’s view
