Bangladesh top-order batsman Liton Das has informed that the Tigers are confident ahead of their opening game of the World Cup 2019 and aiming to begin their campaign on a high note when they face South Africa at the Oval in London Sunday.
The Tigers travelled to London from Cardiff Wednesday and are currently residing at Park Plaza Hotel in the capital of England.
Bangladesh went to Cardiff to play two practice matches against Pakistan and India.
The match against Pakistan was washed out but they had a good practice outing in the second warm-up match against India.
Although Bangladesh lost the warm-up against India by 95 runs, the bowlers got the chance to bowl a few overs, while Liton and wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim scored half-centuries.
Former @OfficialSLC captain @MahelaJay gave an exclusive interview to @DhakaTribune in the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the @cricketworldcup where he talked about how the game of cricket has changed over the years and the Tigers’ prospects.https://t.co/LsxmFpcIVY#CWC
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Liton, who was playing instead of opener Tamim Iqbal, scored an impressive 73 off 90 deliveries.
The right-handed opener showed a good touch whenever he got the chance to break into the playing XI.
Tamim and Soumya might open the innings for Bangladesh against the Proteas, but Liton’s good form is a positive sign for the Tigers.
“Obviously it would not be easy in the first match. South Africa have a great bowing attack, and world-class batsmen. They generally play a lot in these kind of conditions and are used to it. Definitely, it will be challenging for us, but that does not mean we cannot win. If we play good cricket then definitely we can win against them,” Liton said to the media at Park Plaza Hotel Wednesday.
Liton said they are only thinking about winning, and determined to start the tournament well.
This edition of the @cricketworldcup has returned to the round robin stage format, ensuring the one and a half months long grand event will be a cracking contest.https://t.co/cus0A0rzzP#CRICKET #BANGLADESH #BANGLADESHCRICKET #BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #CRICKETWORLDCUP #WORLDCUP
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) May 29, 2019
“We always play for a win. No matter it is our first game, or last game. We came to win here. Winning or losing will be decided later, but we always target a win. So definitely, we will play with the mentality of targeting a win against South Africa,” he added.
Bangladesh’s first three matches of the tournament are against South Africa, New Zealand and England.
The first two matches will be played at the Oval in London while the third will be played in Cardiff.
All three opponents are tough for Bangladesh, but Liton believes every opponent are formidable in this tournament, and that the Tigers have to win matches in whatever way possible.
“If we want to qualify for the semi-final then we have no other option than victory. We are not worried about our opponents too much. We have to win anyway if we want to qualify for the semi-final,” Liton concluded.
