Bangladesh would need to punch above their weight in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 if they are to repeat their heroics of 2017. Notably, Bangladesh made it to the last 4 in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in England.
But the biggest disadvantage and blow which Bangladesh have ahead of this tournament is the absence of Shakib Al Hasan. Ever since his debut, Shakib has played in every ICC tournament and his absence will be dearly felt by everyone in the Bangladesh camp.
The Tigers registered only 2 wins in 9 games in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India and this goes on to show that they need a miracle to advance to the semi-finals of this competition.
In this article, we take a look at the strongest playing XI of Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
Openers: Tanzid Hasan and Soumya Sarkar
With a perfect blend of youth and experience at the top, Bangladesh would be banking on their openers. Tanzid Hasan performed exceedingly well in the Bangladesh Premier League 2024-25 and scored 485 runs while plying his trade for Dhaka Capitals.
On the other hand, Soumya Sarkar is vastly experienced and has played 75 ODIs while scoring 2198 runs in this format.
Top-Order: Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Towhid Hridoy
With captain Najmul Hossain Shanto coming in at 3, the top 3 of Bangladesh looks solid and resolute. Mushfiqur Rahim, who might be playing his last ICC tournament, is expected to play an important role in the middle-order.
Towhid Hridoy has got attacking intent under his belt and he will be a key player to watch out for in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Middle-Order: Mahmuddulah and Jaker Ali
Bangladesh’s finishers in the form of Mahmuddulah and Jaker Ali have gotten attacking intent and class. Mahmuddulah is in the twilight of his career and the team would be hoping to rely on his experience and abilities.
Bowlers: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana and Mustafizur Rahman
Bangladesh’s three-paced bowling attack comprising of Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Nahid Rana can make the other teams’ batters go for a run for their money. Bowling all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz can wreak havoc with the ball, bamboozling the opposition batters.
Bangladesh’s Strongest Playing XI in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim , Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana and Mustafizur Rahman
