Ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan wants Bangladesh to be fearless when they take on neighbours India in the second quarter-final of the 2015 ICC World Cup tomorrow at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The most-talked-about topic among the Bangladeshi and Indian journalists in a press conference yesterday was Bangladesh’s historic win over India in the 2007 ICC World Cup and Shakib believes it was the fearless approach that enabled the Tigers to defeat their fierce rivals and in the process oust them from the flagship event in the first hurdle.
“I think we played fearless cricket [when Bangladesh beat India eight years ago] and we all want to play that brand of cricket again,” Shakib told the media yesterday.
“And, so far in this World Cup, I think we have been fearless. If we do exactly what we did against England and New Zealand, I think we will have a very good game,” he added.
Shakib refused to read too much into India’s form. The Indians are one of only two sides in the ongoing World Cup with an unbeaten record, the other being cohosts New Zealand, but Shakib thinks anything can happen on the field on any given day.
“It depends on the day. We need to start well. If we keep maintaining our momentum, then anything is possible,” he said.
“India have a very good team. They are the defending world champions. They have got some world-class players but we are doing well in this World Cup too. Our confidence is high and we are up for the match.
“We need to focus on the game. The key thing is how we can play well.
“If we do our things properly, then I think the result will take care of itself. It does not matter who wins or loses as long as we play our best cricket,” he added.