Pushovers no more, Bangladesh can stir things up in competitive Group 2

THE OUTLOOK:

They may have been the last team to qualify for the Super 10 phase of ICC World T20 2016, but by no means was their progress to the main round of the tournament unforeseen. Bangladesh's rise as the most improved One-Day International side has been well documented. Yet there remained doubts about their T20 pedigree following a spate of indifferent performances in the format. They blew that reputation to smithereens in the way they pipped Sri Lanka and Pakistan before running India close in the Asia Cup and along expected lines, breezed through the qualifying phase of the World T20 without too many concerns. They have not once made it to the knockout stages of the World T20, but that was the case even before the 50-over World Cup last year and we know how that turned out. Expect Bangladesh, as Steven Smith would say, to give Group 2 of the Super 10 stage, a real shake.

ICYMI:

Despite their run to the final of the Asia Cup, Bangladesh had to go through a qualifying phase to enter the main leg of the tournament due to their standing in the ICC T20 rankings. They beat Netherlands by 10 runs before a washout against Ireland set them up in a virtual knockout game against Oman, who they overcame in style, thanks to a belligerent Tamim Iqbal hundred.

KEY POINTS:

1. ACTION TROUBLE

Bangladesh's rise as a cricketing force to be reckoned with has coincided with a markedly improved bowling attack. Their fast bowling stocks, in particular, have been as good as any. But there is trouble brewing just around the corner following the action reports against Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny. Bowling at speeds in excess of 140kmph, young Taskin was mighty impressive in the Asia Cup and the qualifiers. Should he pick up a bowling ban midway through the tournament, the team's plans could be thrown into disarray.

2. MUSTAFIZUR CONCERN

While Taskin battles an issue with his action, fellow bowling sensation Mustafizur Rahman is facing a race against time to get fit in time for the tournament. The left-arm seamer picked up a side strain midway through the Asia Cup, one that has kept him out of action ever since. The team management will be hopeful for a quick return for Mustafizur, who significantly improves the team's bowling attack.

3. STRENGTHS

Team balance is easily overlooked as a luxury, but with their heady mix of experience - Mashrafe Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal - and youth - Soumya Sarkar, Mustafizur, Sabbir Rahman - Bangladesh have the right setup to make a deep run in a multi-team event. That the tournament is being played in India, gives Bangladesh an added advantage considering that a majority of their upcoming talent haven't been exposed to conditions outside the subcontinent.

4. WEAKNESS

The 26-year-old Tamim Iqbal has proved to be quite an assured presence at the top of the order, but Bangladesh will have to be vary of being overly reliant on him. The qualifier against Netherlands was a case in point with Tamim scoring 83 with the next highest score being 15. If their batsmen can help post par totals on the board, more often than not their bowlers will be expected to defend.

5. FORM

Bangladesh drew a T20I series against Zimbabwe early in the year, but since then have experienced an upswing in fortunes in the format in the build-up to the event. Victories in particular over much-fancied teams at home in the Asia Cup will hold them in good stead, but how they perform in stadiums without a partisan crowd to egg them on will reveal quite a bit about their mettle.

SPOTLIGHT'S ON:

Sabbir Rahman - His emergence at the top of Bangladesh's batting has added firepower to a batting line-up that despite its obvious talents, appeared a little bereft of players with an ability to go big from ball one. The player-of-the-tournament in the Asia Cup heads to the multi-team event in a rich vein of form and having been part of an A tour to Bangalore, late last year should be in the know of what conditions to expect at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where Bangladesh are booked to play two of their group stage games.

GROUP STAGE SCHEDULE:

March 16, Wednesday: versus Pakistan, Eden Gardens, Kolkata

March 21, Monday: versus Australia, M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

March 23, Wednesday: versus India, M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

March 26, Saturday: versus New Zealand, Eden Gardens, Kolkata

EXPERT OPINION:

"Bangladesh side could pose quite a threat in the tournament. They've got enough experience of playing in the subcontinent and have been in very good form"

- Familiarity with conditions should hold the sub-continent side in good stead believes former Australian opener Matthew Hayden.

BOTTLOMLINE:

Their limited-overs cricket has reached a stage where they can no longer be called dark horses. On their day Mortaza's men are capable of beating just about any side in world cricket in the sub-continental conditions. But in a group that also has India, New Zealand, Australia and Pakistan - Bangladesh might just find themselves in a group with a powerhouse too many to contend with.

PREDICTION: SUPER 10