A team capable of beating any other top side in world cricket on their day, and a persistent thorn to some of the strongest teams in the world. The perennial dark horses of international cricket, Bangladesh are looking for some consistency to add to their performances.
Having already become a difficult team to knock over in their home conditions, Bangladesh will be eyeing some landmark performances overseas to kickstart a stronger era. This begins with their two-match Test tour of India in September.
Bangladesh team
The Tigers have always built around a strong core of spin bowling and batters who have great success in turning conditions, making them an extremely dangerous prospect for any team where the ball can turn.
Veterans such as Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim continue to figure as important players for Bangladesh, while Mustafizur Rahim, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are significant players in the white ball formats.
Bangladesh are captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto in all three formats, after he was given the permanent position early in 2024.
Bangladesh tournament history
Bangladesh began competing in international cricket in 1977, but had to wait until 2000 to earn Full Membership of the ICC, and as well as Test status. This came a year after beating Pakistan at the 1999 World Cup, the biggest upset in the tournament.
The early years were a struggle for the young Bangladeshi team, as they went on a long losing streak in both Tests and ODIs. They would begin a renaissance which saw them sculpt some big wins in big matches, such as defeating India in the 2007 ODI World Cup.
Bangladesh have reached three finals in the Asia Cup without lifting the trophy, coming close on multiple occasions. They lost by 2 runs in the final of 2012 against Pakistan, before losing on the last ball of the 2018 final against India. They also came close in the final of the Nidahas Trophy in 2018, losing that final against India in a heartbreaking final-ball loss as well.
Upcoming matches for Bangladesh
The Bangladesh national team is preparing to face-off against India in a Test and T20 series in the coming months, where they will tour their neighbours and try to upset the apple cart. Following this, they will fly to the West Indies for an all-format series. Having had big results in the Caribbean in the past, Bangladesh will be looking to recreate that success towards the end of 2024.