The ascendancy of Bangladesh has created a buzz in the world cricket, making them a side to watch out for in the upcoming World Cup.
The evolution of Bangladesh is uncontested and the heavyweights are aware that the Tigers pose a serious threat to them.
Between April 2015 and October 2016, Bangladesh won five one-day international series in a row against Pakistan, India, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan.
The series wins helped Bangladesh climb the rankings, earning them automatic qualification for the Champions Trophy and the World Cup, according to reports.
They maintained that consistency with 13 wins from their 20 one-day internationals in 2018 and are currently ranked seventh.
They defeated West Indies in a rain-hit final to clinch the tri-nation ODI series at Dublin recently.
It was their first triumph in a multi-nation tournament after reaching six ODI finals in the last 10 years, a feat that will give Mashrafe Mortaza's men the right impetus going into the showpiece event.
It will be the fifth and last ICC World Cup for 35-year-old Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who had led Bangladesh to the 2015 World Cup quarterfinals and the 2017 Champions Trophy semifinals.
It all started in the 1999 World Cup at the United Kingdom when Bangladesh, on debut, stunned the 1992 Champions Pakistan.
Bangladesh achieved full membership of the ICC and earned Test status a year later.
After a forgettable outing in the 2003 edition, Bangladesh returned to deflate India's hopes in the 2007 edition, knocking out the neighbours in the group stage.
Mortaza was the hero of that match, snapping four wickets to dismiss India for 191, while Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim -- all hit half-centuries to hand Bangladesh a five-wicket win.
Bangladesh also stunned South Africa in the Super Eight stage to send a strong message to the world.
The quartet of Mortaza, Tamim, Shakib and Mushfiqur now forms the core of the new Bangladesh team as they eye their first semifinal spot.
While experienced left-handed opener Tamim has been their batting mainstay, the inconsistent form of Liton Das is an issue. But Soumya Sarkar provided the answer with three superb half-centuries as the other opener during the tri-series.
In the bowling department, Mortaza and Mustafizur Rahman looked in a good rhythm and were rewarded with wickets, while youngsters Mohammad Saifuddin and Abu Jayed also impressed, assuring that they would come handy if the conditions are conducive to swing bowling.
Among the spinners, Mehidy Hasan troubled the batsmen with his off-spin, while they have the required experience Shakib, who enters the World Cup as world number one all-rounder.
Before the start of the World Cup on May 30, the side does not feature in picks among teams that are expected to make the last four at the one-day international showpiece.
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza urged his players to therefore make sure the cricketing world takes notice from the moment they start their campaign against South Africa at The Oval on June 02.
"If you ask all the experts, analysts and former players about their favourites for this World Cup, none of them will pick us," Mortaza told reporters.
"I think we can change some perceptions if we can do something this time, more than how much it changed in the past. It is a great opportunity for us."
"We must work really hard, and it is important to find out if we are prepared to do that," said Mortaza.
"The best teams sometimes don't make it to the semi-finals, let alone win the World Cup.
"There's no pressure on us to win the World Cup, or even reach the semifinals. We just want to play well."
While the experts have not placed much hope on the South Asian side, former captain Mushfiqur believes a last-four spot could be within reach for Bangladesh, with teams needing to be consistent in the 10-team round-robin format.
"Having most experienced players in the team, this is the strongest World Cup team that Bangladesh have ever had," he said. "It's not impossible. It's tough, but possible.
"I personally believe that we have the ability to reach the knockout stages, and anything can happen if we can reach that point."
Bangladesh head coach Steve Rhodes is confident that they have the depth to challenge the top sides.
Bangladesh Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Mithun, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Jayed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mosaddek Hossain.
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