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Bangladesh begin their Champions Trophy campaign when they take on former title holders India in Dubai on February 20.
Najmul Hossain Shanto is quite confident of his team’s chances. (PTI Photo)
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto says his team is very much capable of winning the upcoming Champions Trophy. Bangladesh will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign with a match against India in Dubai slated to be played on February 20.
“We are going to the Champions Trophy to become champions. All eight teams deserve to be champions in this tournament. They are all quality teams. I believe our team has the ability,” Shanto was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
“No one will feel extra pressure. Everyone genuinely wants (to become champions), and believes in their capabilities. We don’t know what Allah has written in our fate. We are working hard and doing our best. I believe we can achieve our goal,” he added.
Bangladesh have been placed in Group A of the Champions Trophy alongside India, New Zealand and Pakistan.
In their second match of the tournament, Bangladesh will take on New Zealand on February 24. Next, Bangladesh will be up against Pakistan on February 27.
Bangladesh’s ODI form hasn’t been up to the mark of late. They managed just two wins at the ODI World Cup held in India in 2023. They emerged victorious in one bilateral ODI series since beating Sri Lanka 2-1 in March 2024. The Asian side had last featured in an ODI series against West Indies in December last year which they lost 0-3.
Apart from Bangladesh’s recent performances, Shanto will also be wary of his own form.
Shanto is coming off an injury and hasn’t featured in international cricket since November last year. He had to sit out the West Indies tour due to a hamstring injury.
The upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy which will be held in Pakistan and the UAE, gets underway from February 19. The Bangladesh cricket team will play a warm-up game against Pakistan A ahead of the eight-team competition.
Bangladesh’s Squad For Champions Trophy: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana
