Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto is beaming with confidence in the lead up to their Champions Trophy 2025 opener against India in Dubai on Thursday (February 20).
Shanto was particularly inspired by the rise of pace sensation Nahid Rana, who has added a new dimension to their bowling attack.
Besides the presence of Rana and seasoned campaigner Taskin Ahmed, the team also boasts a few handy all-rounders and spinners, and some quality batters.
"Obviously, all-rounders always balance the team and we have got some good all-rounders. I hope they will perform tomorrow," Shanto said in the pre-match press conference on Wednesday (February 19).
"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 who is not thinking about the opponents much. If we execute our plan properly we can beat any team in any day," he added.
After years of struggle, the Tigers now have a good pace-bowling attack in their ranks, feels Shanto.
"Yes, obviously. I think we always struggle with our seam attack, but last couple of years we have got some quality fast bowlers. Now we have got Nahid Rana, Taskin the way they are bowling. I think it helps a lot.
"As a captain, we love to see them bowling fast. So, I'm really happy that we have got a good fast bowling unit and under lights the ball might swing. So, if they bowl in the good areas, it will help our team."
Bangladesh are slotted in Group A alongside India, Pakistan and New Zealand. When asked if this is a favourable position to be in before a marquee tournament, Shanto replied: "Yeah, obviously. I think if you look at all eight teams - they are quality teams. And against India, Pakistan, New Zealand, we have good memories. We won a couple of matches in recent times.”
"Last year, when we played India in Bangladesh, we have some good memories from then. But that is past, I think if we play well tomorrow and execute our plan, we will have a good match tomorrow," he stated.
Shanto refused to read much into the absence of India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and Bangladesh's star all-rounder Shakib al Hasan.
The conditions in the UAE are familiar to both the teams but for Bangladesh to have any chance against India, Shanto knows that they will have to have one of the best days in all departments.
"We have to play well in all departments - batting, bowling, fielding - because I think the way we played the last few years in this format, I think we have a good side and as you mentioned the conditions are quite similar. I'm really confident that we will prepare ourselves well."
After their opener in Dubai, Bangladesh will be playing their last two group games in Pakistan, and the conditions there are going to be different.
“Yes, here I think we need to adjust, because if you look at this wicket, probably it's not that high scoring if you compare to Pakistan. So, we have to adjust,” the captain remarked.
"Recently we played against Pakistan in a Test match in Rawalpindi. We have that experience how the wicket will behave. But as a cricketer, I think we all understand when we need to adjust and how to play the game. I don't think it will be difficult."
(With PTI Inputs)
