ICC World Cup 2019 | Bangladesh's predicted XI for the game against Sri Lanka

ICC World Cup 2019 | Bangladesh's predicted XI for the game against Sri Lanka

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After getting off to a perfect start in the World Cup with a win over South Africa in their first game, Bangladesh gave New Zealand a real fright before losing by two wickets. Following that, though, England just swept them aside with a 106-run win which makes the game against Sri Lanka a must win.

Openers

Tamim Iqbal : He is one of the very few Bangladesh players who hasn’t shown his true potential in the World Cup so far. In the three games that the Tigers have played, he hasn’t gone past a quarter century mark. We all know what he has in the locker which makes his place in the team as secure as can be.

Soumya Sarkar : The left-hander has a career average of over 35 but has passed that number just once in three games so far. He is due a big score and don’t be surprised if Sri Lanka are at the receiving end of it.

Middle-order

Shakib Al Hasan : It appears the Bangladesh star has decided to put a stamp on the World Cup this time around. His average in World Cups was six runs lower than his career average but this time the numbers are just absurd. His average of 86.66 allied with his three wickets make him an undroppable player in any team, let alone Bangladesh.

Mushfiqur Rahim (WK) : While his brain-fade against New Zealand caught the attention of most people, what went under the radar is how effective he has been with the bat. 78, 19, and 44 are numbers that guarantee you a place in the line-up.

Mohammad Mithun : In the games so far, Shakib and Rahim have stabalized the Bangladesh innings after the openers have failed. However, Mithun has not been able to provide the ending to the innings that is expected of him. He needs to pull up his socks against Sri Lanka if Bangladesh want to have a shot at the top 4.

Mahmudullah : Had he not scored that unbeaten 46 against South Africa in the first match, he would be sailing in the same boat as Mithun. But, in all honesty, when you can see what your team does when you perform, it is not too hard to realize what you are there for.

Mosaddek Hossain : Alongside Tamim, he has been one player who is yet to come up with a big performance so far in the Cup. With 63 runs and just two wickets in three games, Hossain needs to add more to this team. 

Bowlers 

Mohammad Saifuddin : This talented youngster seems to be going down the Shahid Afridi road. His batting has been subpar so far but with a couple of wickets in every game, he is someone who has delivered on that front. If anyone can grab the wickets of Joe Root and Jos Buttler in one game, he is entitled to an automatic entry to the next game.

Mehidy Hasan : The 21-year-old is an automatic pick in this team as well. With five wickets in three games there is very little that you can question him on. Even his economy on the dead wickets of England has been just 5.22.

Mashrafe Mortaza : Mr. Bangladesh is finally showing signs of ageing. His productivity has dropped and his economy has risen. But when you are captain playing your last World Cup, you don’t take any days off.

Mustafizur Rahman : After a brilliant start against South Africa (3/67), the Fizz’s magic seems to be fizzing out. Just one wicket since that game look bad but his economy of 7.6 in those two matches gives it a worse look. Bangladesh need him to turn on the magic because they don’t really have a death over specialist apart from him.

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