Mashrafe bin Mortaza and his side have already created history by qualifying for the quarter-finals of a World Cup for the very first time in their history and they can further enhance their reputation today when they take on defending champions India at Melbourne Cricket Ground with a semi-final berth at stake.
The expectation of the cricket-mad Bangladeshi supporters has reached fever-pitch as the Tigers displayed superb cricket throughout the tournament but the fans are dreaming of bigger things.
The spirited Bangladeshi cricketers will have nothing to lose against India and are expected to take the field with their heads held high. Mahmudullah is in the form of his life right now while the reliable Mushfiqur Rahim and the world-class Shakib al Hasan do have the ability to surprise the opposition, no matter how formidable.
The high-flying Indians, in contrast, have no other option but to win which gives the pressure-free Tigers an added advantage today.
Bangladesh have already played a match at the MCG against Sri Lanka in a Pool A encounter on February 26 and on that occasion, the Tigers dropped a few catches on their way to a 92-run defeat. At a huge venue like the MCG, the Tigers must sharpen their fielding effort against the Indians.
Today’s last-eight clash will be played at the same wicket that was used for the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka tie. As expected, the customary MCG wickets offer a lot of runs along with some aid for the spinners. However, weather forecast suggests that there will be a bit of rain later in the day. In the event of rain, the pitch might provide encouragement to the fast bowlers.
Skipper Mashrafe, who was rested in the final Pool A match against cohosts New Zealand last Friday, will return to the side in place of Taijul Islam – probably the only change in the Tigers’ line-up.
Current form might give the edge to the Indians but Bangladesh will head into today’s match with some sweet memories of beating their neighbours in the 2007 ICC World Cup along with the 2012 Asia Cup.
Besides the obvious occasion of a World Cup quarter-final, today will also be a memorable day for Bangladesh as they are all set for their 300th ODI appearance. History indicates that the Tigers have a great time in their milestone games. In their 100th ODI on December 26, 2004, Bangladesh defeated India by 15 runs in a bilateral series while 50 ODIs later, the Tigers overcame the same opponents in the 2007 ICC World Cup.
In order for the Tigers to be successful in their 300th ODI, the opening pair of Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes must fire today following a couple of disappointing performances in recent times.
Other than Bangladesh’s opening partnership, all the other batsmen have scored runs so the onus will once again be on the bowling department to deliver the goods against a strong Indian batting line-up.
Captain cool MS Dhoni leads a powerful batting order also comprising the likes of Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, among others.
Surprisingly, India’s fast bowling department, considered one of their weakest links, has fared well as the trio of Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami have given their side early breakthroughs more often than not.
If the Tigers can continue their brand of fearless cricket, India are bound to crumble under pressure, presenting the Tigers a golden opportunity to seal a historic place in the last four of the flagship event.