Bangladesh will look to keep their semifinal hopes alive in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019 when they face India on July 2 (Tuesday) at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Speaking on the eve of the match, Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza believes they can beat the top-ranked ODI side provided they play well.
We can beat India: Mortaza
The Tigers have played outstanding cricket in this World Cup especially their batters. The bowlers need to raise their game and provide support to the batsmen as they aim to win their next two games to stay in contention for a top-four spot. Bangladesh will Pakistan in their last group game who also look for a win to keep themselves floating in the tournament.
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Asked whether he is surprised that his team is still in the fray for a semifinal berth, Mashrafe Mortaza gave a straight answer. But he believes that they need to play a lot better than what they have done so far in the World Cup. Since the 2015 World Cup when they reached the quarter-finals for the first time, their cricket has risen upwards. In this tournament, they have defeated South Africa and West Indies.
“No. I am not surprised. I am not sure what you are talking about,” he replied. “Hundred percent. Two matches left, so we have to play our best. If we can manage to win it will be great. Both sides are very strong. India are a very strong side and we have to play hard and be 100 percent in every area. It’s a good thing that we are still alive in this tournament, but we have to play a lot better than what we’ve played,” he added.
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Although India lead Bangladesh by a huge margin in ODIs, Mashrafe Mortaza believes it is a new day, and anything can happen. He also added that anything can happen in sports on a given day. Virat Kohli & Co have defeated Bangladesh 29 times while lost only in five matches.
“I am confident, I have to be. India are a very strong side,” he said. “We want to win every time. Their team is very strong. If we are hundred percent correct, you never know. In sport you can beat anybody,” he concluded.
