Miraz confident Bangladesh can reach ICC Champions Trophy semifinals again
The 2017 Champions Trophy remains the greatest achievement for the Bangladesh men's senior team in any ICC event, but this time, the team had to fight hard to qualify for the competition and has landed in a tough group. Despite the challenges, Miraz remains optimistic about their prospects in the tournament.
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Khan Mutasim Billah LifeEditor
Posted - 2025-01-29T21:15:00+06:00
Updated - 2025-01-29T21:43:18+06:00
As anticipation builds ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, cricket fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting the thrilling competition among the world's top One-Day International teams. For many, the Champions Trophy holds a similar prestige to the ICC World Cup, with Bangladesh having reached the semifinals in the last edition back in 2017. Now, star all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz believes that the Bangladesh Tigers can repeat their success and make it to the semifinals once again.
The 2017 Champions Trophy remains the greatest achievement for the Bangladesh men's senior team in any ICC event, but this time, the team had to fight hard to qualify for the competition and has landed in a tough group. Despite the challenges, Miraz remains optimistic about their prospects in the tournament.
"We did reach the semifinals in 2017 in England, and I hope, Inshallah, we will make it to the semifinals again this time," said Miraz with unwavering belief in his team's ability.
This year, the tournament will be hosted by defending champions Pakistan, with some matches scheduled to take place in Dubai, particularly those involving India. Bangladesh will begin their journey against India and will also face Pakistan and New Zealand in matches to be held in Pakistan. Thus, the team must prepare for contrasting playing conditions in both venues.
Miraz shared his experience of playing in Dubai, recalling the 2018 Asia Cup final against India, where conditions were very different from what the team usually encounters. "The conditions there are different—hot weather, different pitches. Sometimes there is a bowling advantage, sometimes a batting advantage," he explained.
Having played in Pakistan just last year during a Test series, Miraz believes the team's experience there will be valuable in the Champions Trophy. "It’s definitely a big opportunity for us. We know the conditions and the wickets. Everyone will be confident about it," he said, referencing his Man of the Series performance in that series. "It will give me extra confidence as well."
However, Miraz acknowledges that the conditions in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy could still pose a challenge for the bowlers.