Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza is looking forward to an exciting match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground when they take on defending champions India in the second quarter-final of the World Cup today.
A lot of hard work, dedication and sweat have enabled the Tigers to emerge in the World Cup knock-outs for the first time. Reaching the quarter-final was the team’s initial target, so now the pressure is off them and they are going into their biggest match ever relaxed.
“Definitely, it is going to be a very exciting match for us...The boys are very relaxed. Hopefully they will give their best,” said Mashrafe at the pre-match conference at the MCG yesterday.
The MCG has always produced high-scoring affairs and the captain of a spirited Bangladesh side, who have shown positive performances in the World Cup so far, expects another today.
The Narail Express admitted the threat the Indian batsmen possess: “We are playing on the same pitch [Bangladesh played against Sri Lanka in group phase], I think. It was totally flat on that day. I hope tomorrow [today] it will be a high-scoring match.
“We have to bowl well definitely. It is the biggest challenge to bowl to Indian batsmen. Also, I think Indian bowlers are doing pretty good. We have to bat well too as we did against New Zealand or England or any other side.”
