Credit: ICC
Ahead of the India versus Bangladesh Champions Trophy 2025 clash in Dubai on February 20, the latter’s captain has exuded confidence with his words. Shanto said his side can beat any team in the ODI extravaganza as he believes there are no underdogs or favourites in the competition going on between eight sides. Bangladesh concluded their Champions Trophy 2017 campaign as semi-finalists and this time, their supporters will expect the team to be effective again in this competition.
Back in the 2007 World Cup, when the Bangla team met India for the first time in ICC events, they tasted victory against the Men in Blue. Following that encounter, India have always been vigilant against their eastern neighbours in ICC tournaments.
"A winning start always gives momentum and so naturally the only target is to make a good start by winning the game. We have to play our best cricket. Basically I think if you look in this format, our team is quite balanced and we believe we can beat any team in this tournament. All teams are capable of winning this trophy but I am someone not thinking about the opponents much. If we execute our plan properly we can beat any team in any day," said Shanto on Wednesday.
Bangladesh have struggled in ODIs after the World Cup 2023
Bangladesh haven’t looked decent in ODI cricket recently. After the World Cup 2023, they have won only four off 12 matches. However, forgetting their failures, the Shanto-led team will look to stun India in their maiden game of the tournament. They will heavily bank on their pace attack which include big names such as Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed with young speedsters Tanzim Sakib and Nahid Rana.
In the batting unit, Tanzid Hasan can be sent to open the innings with Soumya Sarkar while Shanto will look to back them up to fortify the top-order. Veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah will be crucial in the middle-order with their experience. Mehidy Hasan Miraz will also look to do wonders with his all-round prowess. Bangladesh played a three-match ODI series against the West Indies in December 2024 and got whitewashed by the hosts.
