‘Bangladeshi fans might not like me saying this but Bangladesh won’t make the knockouts’, says AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers
"I honestly don't think Bangladesh going to make the knockouts. Bangladeshi fans might not like me saying this, but I have to be honest," de Villiers remarked, speaking on his Youtube channel.
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Bangladesh has shown promise in recent years, with a squad comprising both young talents and seasoned campaigners. However, de Villiers is doubtful about their ability to consistently challenge the top cricketing nations in high-pressure tournaments.
“They have a solid team with some experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim, all-rounders like Mahmudullah, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Taskin Ahmed is a handy right-arm seamer, and captain like Najmul Hossain Shanto but overall I don’t see them as a championship-winning side."
Despite his doubts about Bangladesh progressing far in the tournament, de Villiers acknowledged their ability to cause upsets. "They certainly have the ability to surprise a few teams, maybe even one of the bigger sides. But making it to the semifinals will be a huge challenge," he added.
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Earlier, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting also echoed same kind of lines. "The Champions Trophy will be tough for Bangladesh. I don't think they have the quality, especially when compared to other teams. Although the tournament will be played in the subcontinent, they won't get home-like conditions, which could make things difficult for them."
Bangladesh fans will be eager to see their team prove the critics wrong when they take the field in the Champions Trophy. While de Villiers and Ponting remain hesitant of their chances, the Tigers will aim to defy expectations and make a deep run in the competition.
