Bangladesh stalwart Mushfiqur Rahim on Sunday said he believes the upcoming World Cup in England is the biggest opportunity for him to prove his worth in a greater stage, reports UNB.
The batsman said Bangladesh have the chance to go all the way in the tournament as they have some experienced players who played three World Cups previously.
Mushfiqur played a World Cup for the first time back in 2007 in West Indies. Since then, he never looked back, and he established himself as one of the best batsmen that Bangladesh have ever produced.
"Everyone wants to do imperiously well in a big event. I think I'm no exception. But the condition of the upcoming World Cup will be a big challenge for us. At the same time, we have to perform in front of a huge crowd. I have played three World Cups and scored runs for my country. So, it's going to be my fourth World Cup. I'll try to do something remarkable," he told reporters at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
The right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman represented the Tigers in the World Cup in 2007, 2011 and 2015. He played 21 matches in the World Cup and scored 510 runs at an average of 31.87.
He struck a fifty in his first appearance in the World Cup with the bat against India, in which, Bangladesh came up victorious in Port of Spain. The win remained as Bangladesh's most glorious one in World Cups.
"I have a personal goal in the forthcoming World Cup. I'll be playing in the event to surpass all the previous records of mine. I think we have the chance and the ability as well. As a batsman, I'll try to help the team according to my experience," Mushfiqur further told reporters.
Unlike the other editions of the World Cup, Bangladesh will get the chance to play against each contesting team this time. Mushfiqur thinks this format will help the Tigers attack with more confidence. He also believes the format of the World Cup will create a fair chance for all of the participating teams.
"It's a tough format but every team will get an equal chance to prove their prowess through it. So, I can say the format is more comfortable for Bangladesh.
At the same time, Bangladesh are not like they were before. Bangladesh are now a big team who can be unbeatable if they play according to their abilities. I welcome the format we'll have in the World Cup. We could qualify for the knockout stage of the World Cup performing well in the primary stage," he said.
"Having most experienced players in the team, this is the strongest World Cup team that Bangladesh have ever had. We lost many finals in the recent past. Maybe, a big achievement is waiting for us in the future," Mushfiqur also said.
Before heading to the World Cup, Bangladesh will play a tri-nation series in Ireland involving the hosts and West Indies. Bangladesh former captain told the media the tri-series will be very important for the Tigers to prepare themselves properly ahead of the main assault in the World Cup.