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Bangladesh Champions will look to bounce back when they take on West Indies Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 9. The Bangladesh side suffered a 37-run defeat against Australia Champions in their previous outing and will be desperate to open their account in the competition.
Note: Cricbuzz currently lists this fixture as the 10th Match of WCL 2026, although the revised official WCL schedule lists Bangladesh Champions vs West Indies Champions as Match 8. The fixture is scheduled for October 9 at Sharjah.
Bangladesh’s batting unit showed considerable promise against Australia, with captain Mahmudullah leading the charge with an unbeaten 73 off just 35 deliveries. Imrul Kayes also contributed 41, while Fazle Mahmud scored a brisk 27. However, the team struggled to maintain the required momentum after losing wickets in the middle overs.
With West Indies Champions coming off a seven-wicket victory over England Champions, Bangladesh will need their experienced campaigners to deliver. Here is the predicted Bangladesh Champions playing XI for the upcoming contest.
1. Imrul Kayes
Imrul Kayes is likely to retain his position at the top of the order. The left-hander was one of Bangladesh’s better performers against Australia, scoring 41 off 30 balls with three fours and three sixes.
His ability to provide an aggressive start could be crucial against the West Indies’ experienced pace attack. Bangladesh will want Kayes to spend more time at the crease and convert starts into a substantial score.
2. Rony Talukdar
Rony Talukdar should continue as Kayes’ opening partner. He scored a quick 9 off six deliveries in the previous game before being run out.
The right-hander has enough T20 experience to attack during the powerplay and can put pressure on bowlers such as Sheldon Cottrell and Fidel Edwards.
3. Fazle Mahmud
Fazle Mahmud is expected to continue at No. 3 after making a useful contribution against Australia.
He scored 27 off 20 balls, including three sixes, before being dismissed by D’Arcy Short. His ability to accelerate in the middle overs gives Bangladesh another attacking option alongside their more experienced batters.
4. Mahmudullah (c)
Mahmudullah will be the key figure in Bangladesh’s batting lineup and should continue to lead the side.
The veteran all-rounder produced one of the best individual performances of the tournament so far, smashing an unbeaten 73 off 35 balls against Australia. His innings included eight sixes and came at a remarkable strike rate of 208.57.
Against a West Indies attack packed with experienced names, Mahmudullah’s ability to handle pressure and accelerate could again prove decisive.
5. Jahurul Islam (wk)
Jahurul Islam is expected to retain the wicketkeeping duties. He scored only four runs in the previous match but remains an experienced campaigner.
His role could become particularly important against West Indies’ powerful batting lineup, with clean work behind the stumps essential against aggressive hitters such as Chris Gayle and Andre Russell.
6. Nasir Hossain
Nasir Hossain should continue as a middle-order all-rounder. He had a short outing against Australia, scoring one run, but his off-spin provides Mahmudullah with another bowling option.
His experience in pressure situations could also be useful if Bangladesh lose early wickets.
7. Ziaur Rahman
Ziaur Rahman is likely to retain his place after contributing with both bat and ball in the previous match.
He picked up two wickets against Australia and also scored four runs. His four overs may be particularly valuable against West Indies’ left-handed power hitters, while his ability to clear the ropes adds depth to the batting order.
8. Arafat Sunny
Arafat Sunny could once again operate as Bangladesh’s primary spin option. The left-arm spinner bowled three overs against Australia and conceded 30 runs without taking a wicket.
However, Sharjah’s conditions can reward spinners who vary their pace and trajectory. Sunny could therefore have a bigger role against West Indies’ aggressive middle order.
9. Abu Jayed
Abu Jayed is expected to spearhead the pace attack after an impressive performance against Australia.
The right-arm seamer finished with 3/46 from four overs, dismissing Usman Khawaja, D’Arcy Short and Jonathan Wells. Despite conceding runs, his ability to pick up wickets makes him an important part of Bangladesh’s bowling plans.
10. Rubel Hossain
Rubel Hossain should retain his place after taking one wicket and conceding only 20 runs in his three overs against Australia.
His experience with the new ball and at the death gives Bangladesh a valuable pace option against a West Indies batting lineup filled with big hitters.
11. Enamul Haque Jr.
Enamul Haque Jr. could complete the XI as the second specialist spinner. He bowled two overs against Australia and conceded 19 runs.
His left-arm orthodox spin could be useful against the likes of Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmons and Andre Russell if Mahmudullah opts for a spin-heavy attack in the middle overs.
Predicted Bangladesh Champions Playing XI vs West Indies Champions
| No. | Player |
| 1 | Imrul Kayes |
| 2 | Rony Talukdar |
| 3 | Fazle Mahmud |
| 4 | Mahmudullah (c) |
| 5 | Jahurul Islam (wk) |
| 6 | Nasir Hossain |
| 7 | Ziaur Rahman |
| 8 | Arafat Sunny |
| 9 | Abu Jayed |
| 10 | Rubel Hossain |
| 11 | Enamul Haque Jr. |
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