Summary As the Bengalis gear up to face India, the mood in the Bangladeshi camp is fairly calm.
(Web Desk) - The Bangladesh cricket team has turned quite a few heads so far in this year’s Champions Trophy. Although the Bengali Tigers were helped by the rain in their group stage clash against Australia, credit should be given where it is due after the boys in green managed to reach the semi final for the very first time by ousting New Zealand a few days ago.
As the Bengalis gear up to face tournament favorites India, the mood in the Bangladeshi camp is fairly confident to say the least. Prior to the all important clash, many of the Bangladeshi former players have said that their team has nothing to lose against India.
Former Bangladeshi batsman Mohammad Ashraful and Captain Habibul Bashar, have claimed that it would be India who will feel the greater pressure compared to Bangladesh as Kohli’s men are the defending champions and carry the weight of expectations of almost 1.3 billion people.
“We have previously reached Asia Cup final. But no doubt this is the biggest moment in the history of Bangladesh cricket. It’s like mini World Cup.” exclaimed Bashar. “If Sri Lanka can beat India, why can’t we? From 33/4 we managed to win against the Kiwis. I’m sure the boys will give their best and the match will be a tough for both the teams” added Bashar.
Building on the former players’ statements the Bengali skipper, Mashrafe Mortaza, said that his team might have the edge if his boys hold their nerves in crunch situations. “I think India has more pressure than us because the huge population is there and people love cricket in India a lot. Even in Bangladesh, there is expectation. At the end of the day it’s a cricket game, so whoever plays well they will win,” said the Jessore born player when asked about the pressure on his shoulders. “If you take it as a semi-final, the pressure is going to be very hard but if you think it’s just another match, the pressure will become a lot easier,” he further added.
Bangladesh plays India today at Edgbaston, Birmingham, where India defeated their arch rivals Pakistan in the first match of the tournament.
