Bangladesh has reached the semifinals of the Champions Trophy for the first time and is ready to face the defending champions and the so-called favourites of the tournament, India.
This is a great opportunity for Bangladesh to emerge from the shadows and establish itself as a serious contender for higher honours. Bangladesh has also made the finals of the Asia Cup in both the 50-over and T20 formats, and while those were all wonderful accolades, a win over here would surely put their cricket right up there.
“This is a moment Bangladesh cricket, as well as 160 million Bangladeshis, have waited for a long time. The passion for cricket in my country is massive, and I feel the die-hard fans deserve a team that is capable of rubbing shoulders with the best in the business. Before the tournament began, I had said in these very columns that Bangladesh no longer had a point to prove to anyone and that if they don’t make it to the semi-final, they must see it as a failure of sorts. I am glad that the team has vindicated my stance” said Former Bangladesh captain, Habibul Bashar.
According to him, the win against Blackcaps must have boosted the team up and they must put all their strengths in the semifinals.
“Both the victory against New Zealand and the way in which it was achieved would have immensely boosted Bangladesh’s self-belief and confidence. The team will now feel that no task is beyond them, that if they play to their potential, they can get the better of anyone. It is this attitude, this fearlessness and an uncluttered mindset that the team must take into the semi-final shootout against India.”
Bashar went on to praise India’s pace attack and also stating the fact that the Indian openers are in great form.
“This time around too, India appear the more balanced, more superior side both in terms of the batting and the bowling. Their openers are in very good touch, and they have a number of match-winners down the order.”
“I also feel they have an excellent pace attack, perhaps the best in the competition and with loads of variety, as well as a quality spin combine in Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. Especially in the victory against South Africa, they flexed their fielding muscle too, so it would appear as if India has all bases covered and could be a bridge too far for Bangladesh,” he added.
“The important thing from Bangladesh’s point of view is to not approach the semi-final either with a sense of a job well done or with apprehension and nerves, given the stage and the occasion.My message to the Bangladesh cricket team is simple: it might be uncharted territory, but don’t get overawed. Enjoy the game, have fun, focus on the process, and let the result take care of itself.” he concluded.
Thursday will see the second semi-final between India and Bangladesh at the Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham.