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Bangladesh Champions will be aiming to bounce back when they face Australia Champions in the seventh match of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 7. The match is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM local time, with the two sides looking for their first win of the tournament.
Bangladesh made their WCL debut this season and have several experienced former internationals in their squad, including Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mohammad Ashraful, Imrul Kayes, Rony Talukdar and Nasir Hossain.
The Mahmudullah-led side suffered a seven-wicket defeat against England Champions in their previous outing. Bangladesh posted 164/9, with Rony Talukdar top-scoring with 44, while Fazle Mahmud and Abu Jayed also made useful contributions.
With Australia possessing a strong batting line-up, Bangladesh are likely to strengthen their XI with experienced all-rounders and wicket-taking options.
Rony Talukdar is likely to retain his place at the top of the order after producing Bangladesh’s best batting effort against England. He scored 44 runs in that game and showed the ability to attack the bowling from the outset.
His role will be particularly important against Australia’s experienced pace attack. Bangladesh will want Talukdar to provide a fast start and reduce the pressure on the middle order.
Imrul Kayes could partner Talukdar at the top. The experienced left-hander is part of Bangladesh’s squad and brings considerable domestic and international experience to the batting unit.
Kayes’ ability to construct an innings could complement Talukdar’s more aggressive approach. If Bangladesh can get a solid opening partnership, their chances of posting a competitive total will increase significantly.
Mohammad Ashraful remains one of the most recognisable names in the Bangladesh Champions squad and could slot in at No. 3. His experience against high-quality opposition makes him an important player in the line-up.
Ashraful will be expected to provide stability if Bangladesh lose an early wicket while also possessing enough stroke-making ability to increase the scoring rate in the middle overs.
Shakib Al Hasan could be one of Bangladesh’s most important players against Australia. The veteran all-rounder gives the team balance with both bat and ball and could be promoted depending on the match situation.
His left-arm spin could also be valuable at Sharjah, while his experience in T20 cricket makes him a natural candidate to control the middle overs. With Australia boasting several dangerous right-handed batters, Shakib could have a significant role with the ball.
Mahmudullah is expected to lead the side and occupy a key position in the middle order. The experienced all-rounder provides Bangladesh with composure and finishing ability. He is also the team’s captain for their debut WCL campaign.
Bangladesh will need Mahmudullah to guide the innings through the difficult middle overs and provide acceleration towards the end. His leadership will also be tested against Australia’s experienced campaigners.
Nasir Hossain could continue as the team’s utility all-rounder. He provides another batting option while also giving Mahmudullah an additional bowling choice.
His ability to contribute in multiple departments could be particularly useful in a legends tournament, where teams often need flexible combinations.
Fazle Mahmud could retain his place after contributing 26 runs against England Champions. His innings helped Bangladesh reach 164 despite regular wickets falling around him.
He can provide Bangladesh with valuable lower-middle-order runs and could also be considered for a few overs if the conditions favour his bowling.
Ziaur Rahman is another potential all-round option. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives Bangladesh greater depth heading into the contest.
Against Australia’s powerful batting order, his bowling could be used to break partnerships, while his batting provides another option during the latter stages of the innings.
Arafat Sunny could be Bangladesh’s specialist spin option. The left-arm spinner picked up a wicket against England and will be expected to play a role during the middle overs.
Sharjah traditionally offers spinners opportunities to vary their pace and exploit the dimensions of the ground, making Sunny an important part of Bangladesh’s bowling strategy.
Abu Jayed is likely to spearhead the pace attack. He picked up a wicket against England and will have the responsibility of providing breakthroughs with the new ball.
His ability to move the ball early could be crucial against Australia’s experienced opening combination.
Kamrul Islam Rabbi could complete Bangladesh’s predicted XI. The experienced seamer offers another pace option and can be used during both the powerplay and middle overs.
With Australia possessing several aggressive batters, Bangladesh will need their seamers to mix lengths and variations rather than relying solely on pace.
Rony Talukdar, Imrul Kayes, Mohammad Ashraful, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah (C), Nasir Hossain, Fazle Mahmud, Ziaur Rahman, Arafat Sunny, Abu Jayed, Kamrul Islam Rabbi
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