TWO of Bangladesh’s three victories in one-day matches against India have come in big games, in the 2007 World Cup and the 2012 Asia Cup.
Vice-captain Shakib Al Hasan says the key to those wins was playing a fearless brand of cricket.
India’s World Cup title defence is in excellent shape following an unbeaten run in the pool stage of the tournament ahead of tomorrow’s (Thursday’s) knockout quarter-final at the MCG.Bangladesh has beaten Afghanistan, Scotland and England and had a washout against Australia in the pool stage, losing to Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
The Tigers gave it their best shot against the Kiwis, losing by three wickets with seven balls remaining.
Al Hasan says his team has momentum although he admits India is the better side and no one denies that.
“We played fearless cricket (in previous wins over India) and we all want to play that brand of cricket that we played,” Al Hasan said Tuesday.
“So far in this World Cup I think we’re doing it.
“If we do exactly what we did against England or New Zealand I think we’ll have a very good game.
“On paper India is a better team than Bangladesh and no one has any doubt in it. But on the day it’s a one-off game.
“If we have a good day and they have a bad day, you never know.”
Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah is the tournament’s fifth-leading runscorer with 344 at an average of 86 including two consecutive hundreds, while Mushifqur Rahim and Al Hasan are also averaging over 45.
Pacemen Mashrafe Mortaza, Rubel Hossain and Taskin Ahmed have claimed 19 wickets and Al Hasan has claimed seven victims with his left-arm spinners.
“There are so many performers in this year’s World Cup where you can count two or three performers in the last World Cup,” Al Hasan said.
“This is a change and it’s a good sign for Bangladesh cricket that so many players are contributing for the team.”
Al Hasan says he will draw on his IPL experience to help him prepare for the occasion of playing a final at the MCG.
“This is the first time we’ve played in a quarter-final. But at the same time we need to understand it’s another game of cricket,” he said.
“I have a bit of an idea by playing in front of 70,000 or 80,000 people in Kolkata. Every game there is a house full so yes I know what can happen.
“Our confidence is high enough and we’re up for the match.” – Fox News
