Bangladesh are one of the three co-hosts of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and despite having been the whipping boys of international cricket for the past 10 years, this may be the first of their four tournaments where they can pose a real threat. That's not to dismiss their performance at the 2007 World Cup, where they upset India and eventual semi-finalists South Africa, in the process of qualifying for the second stage of the tournament for the first time in their history.

You'd have to think the stars are aligned for Bangladesh this time; their biggest advantage going into the tournament is that they will enjoy a home advantage, especially with an army of slow bowlers that strangled New Zealand in the famous series victory in October. Bangladesh will look to Shakib Al-Hasan, Suhrawadi Shuvo and Mahmadullah put the squeeze on opposition teams, especially those who don't play spin well. They'll miss Mashrafe Mortaza, out due to injury, but I wonder if it'll be a blessing in disguise; the turning Bangladesh wickets will be more suited to Abdur Razzak and Naeem Islam either defending a total or ensuring that the other team doesn't run away in the first innings.

For the batting, a lot will rest on Tamim Iqbal to provide a fiery start, with Shakib providing a stabilizing influence when necessary. Mohammed Ashraful's stock has fallen in recent times, ceding his rock star aura to Iqbal, but his experience will be critical in the event that the batting requires control.

Bangladesh will have a tough time getting past India, who will be familiar with the slow, low conditions, but they might fancy their chances against England and South Africa, especially knowing that they beat South Africa in the West Indies four years ago (and England are reeling after a chastening series loss to Australia). The West Indies might be a wildcard for them: Chris Gayle's team knows a thing or two about stifling slow bowling attacks, but they can easily combust on their own. If Bangladesh can choose their moment, the West Indies might not know what hit them.

Bangladesh can count themselves unlucky that of the four Associate teams to take part in this year's World Cup, they share their group with the two best Associates. I'd still put my money on Bangladesh when they face Ireland and the Netherlands, but Ireland have a lot riding on this World Cup, and they will target Bangladesh as the weaker one in the herd.

The momentum is with Bangladesh, though, especially coming into the tournament off the historic series whitewash against New Zealand. This will be the first time Bangladesh can really go far in a World Cup, and they will be disappointed if they don't make it as far as the quarter-finals. They've got the players, they've got the advantage and they've got the winning feeling. India and South Africa are two very good teams that have often stumbled on the big stage, and they will know, as will England, the West Indies, Ireland and the Netherlands, that come February 19th, they're in Tigers territory.