Bangladesh Can Beat Anyone At Champions Trophy, Says Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto

Bangladesh Can Beat Anyone At Champions Trophy, Says Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (Image Source: AFP)

Bangladesh's fast bowlers led by speed sensation Nahid Rana mean the Tigers can beat anyone at the Champions Trophy, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto declared Wednesday on the eve of their clash with India.

Unfancied Bangladesh face favourites India in Dubai on Thursday in the opening match for the two teams in the eight-nation 50-over tournament.

The focus has been on arch-rivals India and Pakistan in a group which also has New Zealand.

But Shanto said Bangladesh's seam attack led by the 22-year-old Nahid, who regularly works up speeds of over 140 kph (87 mph), is second to none.

"I think we have always struggled with our seam attack but last couple of years we have got some quality fast bowlers," Shanto told reporters.

"Now we have Nahid Rana, Taskin (Ahmed), the way they are bowling, I think it helps a lot. As a captain we love to see them bowling fast."

Nahid, who is set to play just his fourth 50-over match, made his Test and ODI debut last year and has quickly made a name for himself with his pace and accuracy.

"I think last few months he bowled very well and bowled fast," said Shanto.

"And when we see him in the ground bowling like this, it helps our whole bowling unit, and it has motivated us (in) how we can give opponents lots of challenges."

Bangladesh sneaked into the tournament by virtue of a better net-rate than the Netherlands, while former champions Sri Lanka missed out.

Shanto said there were no favourites or underdogs at the competition.

"We believe we can beat any team in this tournament and all the teams are capable to win this tournament," said Shanto.

"But I'm someone not thinking about the opponent too much. If we execute our plan properly, we can beat any team."

India will play their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai after refusing to visit hosts Pakistan over long-standing political tensions.

The final will be played in Dubai if India make it, or else in Lahore, on March 9.