The road ahead looks challenging for Bangladesh in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, as reports suggest that the Tigers are placed in a formidable group. According to insights from The Telegraph, Bangladesh is set to compete against South Africa, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and Nepal in Group D.

In contrast, Group A sees a showdown between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, while Group B features another intense clash with reigning champions England and Australia.

Notably, Bangladesh’s Group D stands out as the sole group hosting matches in both the US and West Indies during the tournament’s ninth edition, scheduled from June 04 to June 30.

As the competition unfolds, the top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Eight stage, adding another layer of excitement and anticipation. The official announcement of the World Cup groupings is expected soon, although the ICC has reportedly shared this information with the participating nations, as mentioned in The Telegraph’s report.

Get ready for an action-packed year as the Bangladesh men’s cricket team embarks on their busiest Test schedule ever in 2024. The Tigers are slated to participate in a total of 14 red-ball matches over the next 12 months, surpassing their previous high of 10 Tests in 2022. Last year saw a comparatively lighter load with only four red-ball games, resulting in an impressive three victories and one defeat.

While the team’s focus on Test cricket intensifies, the Twenty20 arena is also set to witness the prowess of the Tigers. With 17 T20 matches lined up in bilateral series and the ICC Twenty20 World Cup on the horizon, Bangladesh’s T20 squad is gearing up for an exciting year of fierce competition.

However, the ODI landscape seems to have taken a backseat in 2024, with only nine 50-over games on the calendar, a significant drop from the 32 ODIs played in 2023.

Here’s a glimpse of the Bangladesh cricket team’s fixture highlights for 2024:

– March: Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka – 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 3 T20s (Home)

– April: Bangladesh vs. Zimbabwe – 2 Tests, 5 T20s (Home)

– June: ICC T20 World Cup – The USA and the West Indies

– July: Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh – 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 3 T20s (Away)

– August-September: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh – 2 Tests (Away)

– September-October: India vs. Bangladesh – 2 Tests, 3 T20s (Away)

– October-November: Bangladesh vs. South Africa – 2 Tests (Home)

– November-December: West Indies vs. Bangladesh – 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 3 T20s (Away)

With a challenging and diverse lineup, the Bangladesh cricket team is poised for an exhilarating journey in the cricketing landscape throughout 2024.

In a peculiar turn of events on the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand, former captain Mushfiqur Rahim secured an unusual place in Bangladesh cricket history. The 36-year-old cricketer found himself becoming the first Bangladeshi batter to be declared out for ‘obstructing the field.’ The incident unfolded when Rahim, facing a delivery from New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson in the 41st over, defended a rising ball. In an attempt to fend off a wide delivery outside the off stump, Rahim extended his right hand. The Black Caps promptly appealed, leading the on-field umpires to refer the matter to TV umpire Ahsan Raza, who ultimately ruled Rahim out.

This dismissal falls under Law 37.1.2, stating that a striker is out obstructing the field if, in the act of receiving the ball, they willfully strike the ball with a hand not holding the bat. The alteration in cricket laws in 2017 reclassified such dismissals from “handled the ball” to “obstructing the field.”

Notably, the last instance of a batter being given out ‘handling the ball’ was former England captain Michael Vaughan against India in 2001. Rahim, Bangladesh’s top-scorer in the match with his 35 off 83 balls, played a pivotal role despite the team being bundled out for 172 in 67 overs. The hosts had previously clinched victory in the first Test in Sylhet by 150 runs.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has officially declared Laura Wolvaardt the captain of all three formats ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming tour. The 24-year-old, who served as the interim skipper during the Pakistan and New Zealand series, will lead the Proteas in T20Is and ODIs against Bangladesh from December 3-23. Wolvaardt’s successful stint as temporary captain, which saw consecutive series wins and impressive performances with the bat, has earned her a permanent leadership role.

Clinton du Preez, South Africa’s Women’s Convenor of Selectors, highlighted the challenges, stating,

“A few of our senior players are not available for the T20-leg of the Bangladesh Tour due to injury and those returning from the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). We are excited to provide an opportunity to our extended identified group, especially on the back of some injuries.”

With an eye on the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, South Africa Women’s head coach, Hilton Moreeng, expressed the intent to blend in youngsters during the T20Is against Bangladesh.

“For the T20Is, this is where we are going to look, where possible, to blend in youngsters and give them an opportunity to expose themselves at this level to keep growing the base,”

Moreeng said, emphasizing the squad’s growing strength.

Squad: Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Delmi Tucker, Laura Wolvaardt

The Indian cricket squad has risen quickly in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, going undefeated in their first three games. They are presently in second place in the World Cup points standings, led by the energetic Rohit Sharma. The Indian squad are keen to take back top spot in the standings as they prepare to play Bangladesh in their fourth game.

Prior to their World Cup match, Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha expressed his respect for the Indian players without holding back. He applauded India’s balanced approach and overall prowess, stating,

‘I think they’ve covered every area. They’ve got strike bowlers up front. As excellent as we have seen in the past, Bumrah is practically at the pinnacle of his abilities. They have skilled, knowledgeable spinners as they enter the middle overs. Additionally, they are hitting really well, particularly in the top order, and their lack of fear at this point in their game is frightening.”

Hathurusingha highlighted the vital ingredients in India’s World Cup success, emphasizing the enjoyment factor.

He stated: “Any team, including the Indian team, needs to enjoy the game in order to win. There appears to be a lot of love for them as they enjoy their home World Cup and cricket right now.”

Shakib al Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh, is recuperating from a niggle in his left quadriceps. While he had a productive net session, Hathurusingha stressed that Shakib would only take the field against India if he’s fully fit. We won’t take the chance if he isn’t prepared to play. If he’s ready, there’s a chance he’ll be playing tomorrow (Thursday),” Hathurusingha mentioned. The decision hinges on medical evaluations and the player’s readiness, as the coach explained,

“First, it is the medical staff who give us their opinion. They give the green or red light. They let us know where the player is located. Whether the coach and captain want the player or not is up to them. if he is desired in any or both fields.”

While Bangladesh have triumphed over India in three out of their last four ODI meetings, Hathurusingha stressed that these previous results won’t influence their World Cup league stage encounter. World Cup matches are an entirely different ballgame, and Bangladesh must deliver their best performance to challenge the in-form Indian team. Hathurusingha expressed,

‘We’re hoping to have a complete performance. The World Cup’s top squad, India, hasn’t played well lately, but if we play to our potential, it will work in our favour. We need to start well.”