Mehidy Hasan hoping mix of youth and experience will help Bangladesh at the World Cup

May 26 (CRICKETNMORE) - When it comes to Cricket World Cup experience, it’s fair to say Mehidy Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza couldn’t be further apart.

But as his tournament debut approaches, Bangladesh youngster Hasan, 21, has expressed his pride at playing alongside talismanic captain Mortaza - himself a veteran of four ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups.  

Named together in a Tigers squad possessing a delicate blend of youth and experience, promising spinner Hasan and the impressive Mortaza, 35, will seek to spearhead another strong World Cup showing from the 2015 quarter-finalists. 

Key to that charge will be the experience of their skipper, who, after a glittering ODI career, is set for his final appearance at an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

“There are five guys in our team who are really experienced, having played in the last four World Cups. This is a good opportunity for us having so many experienced players with us," Hasan said.

“Mashrafe is the most experienced player in our team, and after lots of surgery, he’s still strong. 

“Everyone likes him. He plays for the country and fights for it (on the pitch). 

“He always talks about staying mentally strong and we are learning from him all the time. 

“We’re lucky because he’s a great captain - I’m really proud of him.

“It’s a great moment for me because it’s my first time playing in a World Cup. I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully we can do our best to make the fans happy.

Once considered minnows of the global game, Bangladesh have grown considerably in stature in recent years, rising to No. 7 in the ODI rankings.

Boasting the considerable record of having beaten all nine of their World Cup opponents at least once, hopes are high that Mortaza and his team can make a real impact on the competition.

Victory over the West Indies and Ireland earlier this summer has only reinforced the confidence in the ranks, with Hasan suggesting the sky is the limit Steve Rhodes’ men.

“We are confident and believe that we can make the semi-finals. It’s not possible to do well if you don’t believe,” he added. 

“These conditions are tough for spinners, including me, but I’m just thinking about maintaining a good line and length and staying mentally strong. 

“In the last few years, we’ve played very well both at home and abroad. Winning the Tri-Nation Series has given us even more confidence. 

“Now we need to show our best at the World Cup."

ICC