Champions Trophy: Bangladesh skipper Shanto backs team to lift title
What's the story
Bangladesh cricket team captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, has set his eyes on the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Speaking at a press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, he stated that his team's goal for the tournament is to emerge as champions. This is despite Bangladesh's dismal show in the past editions of the tournament. However, they had a good outing in the 2017 edition, as they made it to the semi-finals.
Confidence
Shanto confident in team's capabilities
Shanto was confident that the team could win the tournament. He admitted that all the eight teams are strong, but he was firm in his belief in Bangladesh. He stated, "I think all the eight teams here deserve to be champions. These eight are quality teams. I have a belief that our team has the capability [of winning the tournament]," he said during the press conference.
Anticipation
Shanto anticipates high-scoring matches in Pakistan
The Bangladesh skipper also spoke about his expectations of high-scoring matches in Pakistan, predicting that the pitches could produce over 300 runs. Speaking about the same he stated, "In such tournaments, challenges and added pressure are always there. I expect the pitches in Pakistan to be 300+ wickets." "If we bat first, we need to put up such scores. Even while defending, we will need to defend such scores," he further added during the press conference.
Unfazed
Shanto unfazed by lack of BPL T20 games
Despite not playing many games in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 tournament, Shanto isn't fazed about his own preparation and that of his team. He highlighted that while other teams have been preparing through bilateral ODI cricket, Bangladesh have been honing their skills in the home-based T20 league. This approach is different from traditional preparation methods for global tournaments like the Champions Trophy.
Reflection
Shanto reflects on personal performance and preparation
Shanto also reflected on his own performance in the BPL, saying that although he didn't play too many matches, he was able to prepare well. He was also pleased with his recent ODI performance against Afghanistan. "In the last ODI match, I played a good innings against Afghanistan. Last year, I scored a decent number of runs," he said during the press conference.
Downplay
Shanto downplays Shakib Al Hasan's absence
Downplaying Shakib Al Hasan's absence from the upcoming tournament, Shanto said it's pointless to discuss his unavailability. "Of course, we will miss Shakib. I don't know why this question is being asked. Everyone already knows the answer," he stated. He also urged senior players Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah not to feel any extra pressure, but rather share their experience with the team. "Whoever gets the responsibility will have to play Shakib's role," he said during the press conference.
Record
A look at Bangladesh's record in the Champions Trophy
Bangladesh have featured only thrice in the tournament, (1998, 2002, 2017). Meanwhile, during the 1998 and 2002 editions, they failed to qualify for the knockout stages. As mentioned they were the semi-finalists in the 2017 edition and would be looking to better the record. According to ESPNcricinfo, they own a 2-1-9 record in the tournament. Tamim Iqbal owns the most runs in the tournament, (293 runs, four innings). Mohammad Rafique has bagged the most scalps (six in eight innings).