Balance key for Bangladesh in Champions Trophy comeback

While the format of the Champions Trophy meant that Bangladesh missed out on spots in the 2009 and 2013 editions, they made sure they didn't face similar disappointments by ensuring their place in the 2017 edition on the back of impressive ODI performances over the last two years. They will enter the Champions Trophy ranked no. 6 on the ICC ODI table, a gain that came about after their first away win over New Zealand in the recent Ireland tri-nation series.

Led by the spirited Mashrafe Mortaza, Bangladesh's quest to make it to the 2017 Champions Trophy began shortly after the 2015 World Cup. To remain one of the top eight sides, they needed to win series and not just one-off matches. They beat Pakistan, India and South Africa on the trot at home, sealing their place in the tournament. While they did not win as many games over the following year and a half, the side continued to develop consistently. Most recently, they drew an ODI series in Sri Lanka and finished second in the tri-series, involving Ireland and New Zealand.

Since April 2015, Bangladesh have the third best win-loss ratio among teams that have played more than 15 ODIs during this period. The side now has a fine mix of senior cricketers, who are experienced enough to know the intricacies of ODIs, and young guns who are brimming with talent.

This tournament could be the stepping stone for Mustafizur Rahman, Mehedi Hasan and Mosaddek Hossain much like the 2007 World Cup was for Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim.

2000 - Pre Quarter-finals

2002 - Group Stage

2004 - Group Stage

2006 - Qualifying Round

Bangladesh have not won an ODI series since September last year. Their best recent result was the five-wicket win over New Zealand in the Ireland tri-nation series.

A team combination that has been in place for the last five-odd years. Five senior players - Shakib, Tamim, Mashrafe, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah - aided by coach Chandika Hathurusingha have played a central role in the side's progress.

Bangladesh's long batting line-up can sometimes make them complacent, with batsmen playing aggressively for unrealistic periods. There have been multiple occasions when Nos. 6 and 7 Mahmudullah and Mosaddek Hossain have had to bat conservatively during the slog overs just to make sure Bangladesh play out their overs. The fact that Bangladesh's tail cannot contribute much, even by means of slogging, only accentuates the problem.