Australian great Ian Chappell has backed Bangladesh to make it to the last eight of the first-ever ICC Twenty20 World Championship to be held in South Africa from September 11.

"It won't surprise me if Bangladesh do make the final eight," said the former Australia captain.

In his appraisal of the Tigers in a Cricinfo column, Chappell said that Bangladesh are a dangerous proposition for their more illustrious teams in the group.

"Bangladesh is far and away the best of the non-seeded sides and South Africa and West Indies both need to be on their mettle when they face Bangladesh as they are the major teams who are most likely to be unceremoniously dumped by a less-fancied side", he said.

Chappell also praised the makeup of the squad, particularly the

selectors who he thought were brave in picking a very young squad.

He said, "The inclusion of three teenagers in the squad and no player older than 25 is a brave move. These cricketers will be able to express themselves in a slightly relaxed international atmosphere. I hope the selectors are rewarded for their foresight."

But he will be surprised to know that the selectors who picked this team have been replaced a new panel.

"The Bangladesh selectors have been wise in making their 15 choices. They seem to be saying, 'if we can't win this tournament, at least let us gain something for the future.'" But he still cast doubts over the nonselection of some of the experienced players, most notably, he thought that Mohammad Rafique could have come in handy.

"The selectors' desire to encourage youth may have robbed them of some experience in spin bowling, which would be a pity because that has been one of their great strengths in the past," he added.

Chappell, who visited Bangladesh as a commentator over the past decade, had particular admiration for captain Mohammad Ashraful, vice-captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and young opener Tamim Iqbal. He has firm believe that the 23-year-old could well make it big in this competition but he cautioned that the weight of leading the young side could prove decisive in his performance.

"The batting will be built around their young captain Mohammad Ashraful. He has the skill to be one of the stars of the tournament, if the responsibility doesn't prove to be too much of a burden," said Chappell, while adding that the format could suit Tamim's cavalier batting.

"Tamim Iqbal's audacious innings against India in the World Cup displayed talent and nerve, and he'll be hoping to build on that in a format that will suit his style," added Chappell.

Mashrafe also caught his eye as someone who can provide every thing to a team that lacks a genuine all-rounder.

"Mashrafe will anchor their bowling. He is a lively wicket-taking fast bowler and a capable late-innings hitter," said Chappell.

But the outspoken Aussie remained cautious when it came to grading Bangladesh's chances in the competition, giving them five out of ten but he remained less optimistic about West Indies and South Africa. He gave them a six.