A shell-shocked Bangladesh are hoping for a turnaround and rebound from their underperforming form in the ongoing World Cup when they face Pakistan Tuesday in a crucial encounter at Eden Gardens where the opposition are almost in a similar position.
After a winning start against Afghanistan, Bangladesh suffered five heavy defeats in a row, most painfully against the Netherlands by 87 runs last Saturday, to literally rule themselves out of contention for a last four spot.
But the remaining three games - first against Pakistan, then against Sri Lanka in New Delhi and the last against Australia in Pune - are very important for the Tigers in the context of qualifying for the 2025 Champions Trophy which will be hosted by Pakistan.
Pakistan however, have the slimmest of chances to qualify for the semi-finals despite losing their last four matches.
A win against Bangladesh can revive their World Cup hopes.
As a host nation, Pakistan have already qualified for the Champions Trophy.
So the stakes are high for both the teams as Bangladesh will be eyeing a Champions Trophy spot and Pakistan, staying alive in the World Cup.
Both the sides practiced at Eden Gardens Monday.
Pakistan trained in the afternoon and Bangladesh under lights.
Pakistan coach Grant Bradburn has shown respect to Bangladesh as a quality opponent and is aware of the pressure the Tigers can apply to his charges.
“We respect Bangladesh hugely. They're a quality group of cricketers. We've had a good look at where we believe we can exploit their potential weaknesses and we know where their strengths are. So, we're prepared well for Bangladesh. We're focused very much on looking in the mirror as well and making sure that we're putting our very best performance together that we can,” said Bradburn during the pre-match press conference.
Bangladesh skipper Shakib al Hasan is also focusing more on improving their own performances out there in the 22 yards rather than the fact that the opponent have lost the last four games.
“I don't want to rate any team at this moment (as Pakistan also lost their four matches). We have a very important match tomorrow (Tuesday), which we want to win. Same thing I think goes with Pakistan as well. They want to win as well. So, the team that will play better, will win. We'll try our best to play better than Pakistan so that we can win the game,” said the Bangladesh captain at Eden Gardens Monday.
Thousands of Bangladesh fans travelled to Kolkata for the two games they are playing at Eden Gardens and have already been heartbroken seeing their beloved team lose to the Dutch.
Now it's a tougher opponent in the form of Pakistan.
Despite being low on confidence, Bangladesh players are desperate to show some better displays and achieve a positive result for the fans and country.
The weather is expected to be bright and sunny, and on the warmer side and the pitch could offer plenty of runs as this game will be played on a fresh pitch.
