The weather in Birmingham is as bright as Bangladesh’s recent performances as the Tigers begin their much-awaited 2017 Champions Trophy mission as the world's No 6 side. Bangladesh will take on Pakistan in the first of two warm-up matches on Saturday. Ahead of the game, Mashrafe bin Mortaza and his troop spent time at the nets at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham. The cricketers walked around the beautiful Midlands venue and started their training session after light warm-up.
The cricketers were divided into two groups with one group spending time at the indoors while the others were busy at the outer nets of the Edgbaston stadium.
The scenario has changed drastically when it comes to the body language of the Bangladesh players heading into the eight-team Champions Trophy after almost a decade.
The Tigers' tails are firmly up after the win against New Zealand in the tri-nation series and no doubt they will be all fired up for the Pakistan clash.
The Bangladesh team management might look to finalise their playing XI only after the two practice games against Pakistan and India, scheduled for Tuesday.
The likes of Soumya Sarkar, Tamim Iqbal, Sabbir Rahman, Shakib al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah will play key roles with the bat while Mashrafe, pace bowling sensation Mustafizur Rahman and pacer Rubel Hossain are likely to look after the fast bowling department.
Although Pakistan and India are in a different group in the eighth edition of the Champions Trophy, the two warm-up matches will be crucial in the context of the tournament as far as preparation is concerned.
Bangladesh have already acclimatised well with the early English summer, which is pretty good and sunny at the moment and expected to suit the Tigers' style of cricket.
Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has rated the Bangladesh team highly and informed that the Tigers are now a force to be reckoned with. He also said the practice match will be vital for them before moving into the tournament.
The pitch is expected to be batting friendly and even though there will be some initial seam movement for the fast bowlers, overall there are great chances of a high-scoring game, which probably both the teams will be looking forward to.
Friday, March 21, 2025
