IND vs BAN, Champions Trophy 2025: ‘We can beat any team in this tournament,’ says Bangladesh captain Shanto

IND vs BAN, Champions Trophy 2025: ‘We can beat any team in this tournament,’ says Bangladesh captain Shanto

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto felt his side has a balanced squad to challenge the top teams in the Champions Trophy.

“If you look at this format, our team is quite balanced, and we believe we can beat any team in this tournament,” said Shanto on the eve of his team’s opening fixture against India.

“All teams are capable of winning this trophy, but I am someone who does not think much about the opponents. If we execute our plan properly, we can beat any team.”

“If you look at all eight teams, they are quality teams. And against India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, we have good memories. We won a couple of matches (against them) in recent times. But that is past, and I think if we play well tomorrow and execute our plan, we will have a good match tomorrow,” he added.

The 26-year-old’s sense of confidence stems from the belief that his all-rounders and quicks can deliver the results.

“We have always struggled with our seam attack, but in the last couple of years, we have had some quality fast bowlers. Nahid Rana and Taskin (Ahmed), I think the way they are bowling helps a lot. As a captain, we love to see bowlers bowling fast. So, I am happy that we have a good fast bowling unit, and the ball might swing under the lights. So, if they bowl in the good areas, it will help our team,” he said.

The captain was also pleased that having an outright quick bowler like Nahid Rana helped lift the team’s morale.

“I think in the last few matches, he bowled really well and fast. And when we see him bowling like this, it helps our whole bowling unit, motivating us (about) how we can challenge the opponent. But what I want is he needs to be fit, and he can continue his bowling form,” Shanto said.

Published on Feb 19, 2025