As Bangladesh celebrate their commendable win against Sri Lanka yesterday and while the local Sri Lankan media rips their team apart, I could not help but notice how much Bangladesh has improved as a team. Of course this bunch of Bangladeshis may not be a side that has the ability to instill fear in the opponent's heart just as yet. But they are certainly making gradual improvements though it may not be quite apparent on the face of it. One player that has impressed me among the Bangladeshi's is Mashrafe Mortaza. He has been a real workhorse for the Bangladeshi's. His accuracy, stamina and burning desire to take wickets are heartening to watch. He reminds me of a young Chaminda Vaas, the medium fast bowler who runs in day in and day out on hot, humid, flat, dead and dry wickets that offer little or no assistance to fast bowlers. But it was Vaas's heart that will always be spoken about over his stats (his stats pales against a larger than life teammate, Murali).

Coming back to Bangladesh, this side is a young team with a lot of potential. I see them as a basket full of uncut diamonds. To my knowledge, apart from Habibul Bashar everyone else are either in their early or mid 20's. I firmly believe that this team has the potential of being a very strong contender for the 2011 Cricket World Cup. They should take a lesson from the World Cup wining Sri Lanka team of 96. There will be many advantages for the Bangladeshis come 2011 such as familiar home conditions, an exciting set of batsmen, extremely hardworking bowlers and the most important advantage of all, the tag of being underdogs.

As underdogs the added pressure is minimal. If Bangladesh could manage to inflict enough pressure on their opposition at the world cup, the the more fancied team would crumble under greater pressure and expectations as their pride is at stake (remember the 96 semi-final and final?). Today many teams are losing focus, the IPL and it's lucrative contracts, Australia going through a transition, England and their internal issues etc gives Bangladesh an edge over other teams so long as they work extra hard and focus on playing some good cricket. Almost all the other test playing nations haven't really set clear objectives or goals for 2011 just as yet (most of what i have heard are vague).

If Bangladesh can foster and nurture this current set of players, they would be the most experienced team unit during the world cup 2011. With players of the caliber of Mohammad Ashraful, Thamim Iqbal, Sakib al Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza etc. who, if their bodies permit, have a good 10-15 years of international cricket ahead of them. This means by that time Bangladesh can and should be the leaders of world cricket. For now Bangladesh should work on improving their confidence and self belief in themselves, their abilities and in their ability to win matches. Bangladesh should set about learning as much as they can at the International arena while having their eyes on the trophy. Each step taken should be to get closer to that ultimate goal. Of course all this is easier said than done, but hey! Greater miracles have happened on the sporting field.