Although Bangladesh will be playing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the very first time today, their opponents are anything but new to them. The Tigers, bidding to qualify for the quarterfinals of a World Cup for only the second time in their history, will be up against a familiar south Asian opposition in Sri Lanka in what will be both the sides’ third Pool A game.
Today’s high-octane clash between the subcontinent rivals at The G – Australia’s biggest cricket ground – is one among several encounters in recent times. Last year alone, the two teams faced each other in two tournaments – a bilateral series and the Asia Cup – with the Lankans turning out victorious in all the matches.
Even though Bangladesh have their share of wins against the island nation – four victories in 37 ODIs – the Tigers have not really shone against their neighbours in the biggest stage, the ICC World Cup.
In fact, the Tigers have gone down to convincing defeats in both of their matches till date.
Ahead of such a crucial game against the Lankans, the Tigers suffered an uncalled-for distraction.
Bangladesh paceman Al Amin Hossain, who stayed outside their team hotel well after the 10pm curfew last Thursday, was withdrawn from the Tigers’ World Cup squad in favour of fellow seamer Shafiul Islam.
Tigers skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza, however, said on the eve of the game that the Al Amin issue will not occupy their minds when they face the Lankans.
“The Al Amin chapter is over and we can’t bring him back even if we want to. I think we are one of the most disciplined sides in the World Cup and the one who breached the rules was eventually punished,” Mashrafe told the media in the pre-match press conference yesterday.
Mashrafe went on to air his views regarding the opposition, who boast veteran campaigners like Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Lasith Malinga in their ranks.
“Look, if we think about Sangakkara and Jayawardene’s career, it will give us extra pressure as they are the legends of the game. What I am actually thinking of is giving our best. So far, luck has played a big part and worked in our favour. I am really looking forward to the game,” he said before adding: “I have spoken to Malinga today [yesterday]. He is the best as far as death bowling is concerned so I am sure those of us who are batting in the lower order will have plans on and prepare accordingly.”
In the meantime, one positive has emerged for the Tigers ahead of their game against the Lankans. Mushfiqur Rahim, who suffered a strong blow on his right thumb off a Taskin Ahmed snorter two days ago, is fit to face Sri Lanka.
Mushfiq batted in the nets yesterday and looked in good touch but it is still unclear whether he will keep wickets. If he is solely played as a batsman, opener Anamul Haque will don the gloves.
For the Sri Lanka game, the Bangladesh team management are likely to retain the same XI that thumped the Afghans by 105 runs in their Pool A opener.