Group B - Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Bermuda

[pacespinner]

Yes you are right, but how many times? Now that is the question. We cannot close our eyes to the fact that there is a lot more growing up to do, for Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Canada cricket to beat more other countried convincingly.
I would accept this though that Bangladesh is better than Zimbabwe in cricket and can beat them any time of the day. And for Canada and Ireland, there is a lot more growing up to do....

 

[itsabhi9]

bangladesh is going to defeat lanka

 

[bdcricmad]

BD is gonna beat New Zealand in the warm up as well.

 

[Richard]

 

[pacespinner]

BD is gonna beat New Zealand in the warm up as well.

With current form, New Zealand can beat any team at anytime. Remember that Australia was the most strongest team of all, and if NZ can beat the !@#4 out of Aust then they can do anything to anyone.
Beating NZ is not a joke anymore. Watch out world... NZ is coming your way...

 

[alternative]

Lots of support for Bangladesh it seems, but i don't see them as a real therat to either two top teams in this league. Bangladesh does produce a miracle or two at times but they lack in confidence and they need quality players like Mohammed Ashraful, Habibul Bashar and Shariar Nafees to fire at the top of the order in the same match.

 

[Pup Clarke]

Lots of support for Bangladesh it seems, but i don't see them as a real therat to either two top teams in this league. Bangladesh does produce a miracle or two at times but they lack in confidence and they need quality players like Mohammed Ashraful, Habibul Bashar and Shariar Nafees to fire at the top of the order in the same match.

Mohammed Ashraful quality?!!!!!!

 

[alternative]

Mohammed Ashraful quality?!!!!!!

Well quality enough for their team

 

[Pup Clarke]

Well quality enough for their team

Terribly inconsistent more like and the no brainer shots he sometimes plays.The only players in the Bangladesh team of real quality IMO are Shahrair Nafees and Mashrafe Mortaza.All the rest are decent but these two could be really good test players in 2-3 years time.

 

[honestbharani]

I wont bet against Bangladesh competing well in this WC, but defeating the big sides is a totally diff. issue.

 

[pacespinner]

Yeah, give em 3 or 4 WC more, then may be they can compete with other high ranking players. They are not as competitive right now, but well deserving to compete against good teams.

 

[bdcricmad]

Well, lots of discussion going on about BD cricket and I think we all will get a clear picture in the next one month and I'm waiting for a big joy to show you guys that "gone are those days where only showing good fight against big 8's was prime concern for BD cricket. Now each & every ODI's Bangladesh play only for win, nothing else."

 

[crickmate]

umm.. both of you seem to be on the extreme side. Bangladesh is improving fast, but needs little more time. I think they will become really competitive within next 3 to 4 years, when the current players will get more maturity. Remember, the average age of the team is around 22 (as far as I remember, please correct me if I am wrong). So yeah, personally I believe they will be a very good competitive team by next world cup. Although I will still be happy, even if they takes 2 more world cup to get into the top level as pacespinner said( as you might already know someone from cricketweb swore to eat earth if it happens. Man, I never saw someone eating earth, will be very fun to watch ).

Bangladesh U19 team is amazing, which already got used to beat all the test team's U19 team and was one of the expected winner of U19 world cup last year. The more players comes from that U19 pipeline, the better they will become.

Well, lots of discussion going on about BD cricket and I think we all will get a clear picture in the next one month and I'm waiting for a big joy to show you guys that "gone are those days where only showing good fight against big 8's was prime concern for BD cricket. Now each & every ODI's Bangladesh play only for win, nothing else."

Yeah, give em 3 or 4 WC more, then may be they can compete with other high ranking players. They are not as competitive right now, but well deserving to compete against good teams.

 

[JASON]

bangladesh is going to defeat lanka

Bangladesh has the potential to beat SL .

I personally will be praying this doesn't happen, but Bangladesh is the only Team capable of upsetting the charts and getting into next round.

The arrogance of the World Cup organisers in dismissing the teams outside of top 8 as not capable of making past the preliminary round deserves an upset to show them up for what they are !!

For that reason I would love Bang to go through and the World Cup organisers to have egg on their face.....But not at the expense of Sri Lanka.

 

[tigerPassion]

What the Bangladeshi players are saying ahead of the WC

The entire Bangladesh World Cup squad and coach Dav Whatmore took part in a lively, prompt and spontaneous question and answer session with media today (Sunday) at the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel. This was the final meeting with the media before the Tigers’ departure for the West Indies tomorrow.



One by one all the 15 players and coach Whatmore took questions from the print ad electroninc media representatives. Below are the excerpts from the session.



Habibul Bashar



On chances of beating India or Sri Lanka

Both teams are going to the World Cup to win it. So I have to say it is a tough job but not impossible. We have beaten big teams in the past. We have the ability to do that again.



Target

Our target is to reach the second round.



Difference between the 1999 World Cup team and the current side

Every team is different. At that time we did not achieve Test status so the expectation was not very high. In 2003 we had a poor World Cup. This time our team is more mature and confident. With a lot of wins behind us we are going to the World Cup. As a team we have improved a lot and have more confidence.



All I am thinking of at the moment is how we can do well for Bangladesh. The players are behind me and we all are focused on achieving something out of this World Cup. The last one was not good so this one has to be better and we will make it better.



About his comments on Khaled Mashud in some newspapers

I have said that I would miss him as a teammate because we have played for the national team for a long time. But I am quite satisfied with the current squad and I believe that this squad has the ability to do well.



Shahriar Nafees Ahmed



On the team’s self belief

We have won a lot of matches in the last 12 months and now we know what we need to do to win a match. This is our main inspiration to do well in the World Cup.



On his personal expectation

These days the West Indian wickets favour the batsmen. So I will try my best to get some runs there.



If there is a crisis for an opening partner

I do not see it that way at all. In the last one and a half years I have opened the innings with six different batsmen but more importantly during this period we’ve won more matches than we have lost. From Javed (Omar) to Tamim (Iqbal) our opening pair’s objective remains the same and that is to give the team a solid start.



Whether there is any lacking in preparation because of winning against lower ranked teams in the last 12 months or so

Not at all. All it counts is that we won and did it by playing good cricket. If you count from 2005 you will find that we beat Australia, we beat Sri Lanka. We batted well, bowled well, fielded well and that is why we won so many matches in the last two years. Now we have learnt how to win and hope this trend will continue in the future.



Mohammad Rafique



Whether it is going to be his last World Cup

Let me play this World Cup and then I will think about it. Who knows I might play in 2011 World Cup also.



On his target

I never set any particular target before a game. I set it after entering into the field. This is going to be my third World Cup. The tournament will be held in the West Indies where I have many fond memories. So this time my objective is to do as well as I can.



On his announcement of retirement after 1999 World Cup

I said that because of a major incident. Today I am still playing with the national team but something happened back then which might have ended my domestic career also.



Whether he feels any pressure as his tag as the lone strike bowler of the team does not exist any more

I never used to take pressure, always remain calm and relaxed. Years ago I bowled a lot of overs in the slog stages and that is why there was every chance of taking many wickets. But now I bowl mainly in the early and middle stages of the innings and at that time the most important thing is to check the runs. I bowl according to the team’s plan and for the greater interest of the team.



Mohammad Ashraful


On his personal expectations

In the last one year I have not performed well for the national team. In the World Cup my aim will be to do well. As a team our objective is to reach the second round. I want to help my team to fulfill that goal.



On his position in the batting order

In the international cricket number six is a very important position. The likes of Mike Hussey and Paul Collingwood play there. Going at number six, I think it is still possible to play a big and helpful innings.



I always say that number five is my favorite position. My Test hundreds came while playing at number five. One day hundred came at four. So if I am promoted up the batting order, I think it will suit me just fine.



Mashrafe Bin Mortaza

Whether this World Cup would wipe away the painful experience of 2003

I think luck is a big factor in cricket. So I do not see it that way. I will play in the World Cup as I play in the other matches.



On his batting

My dream is to create an upset by beating either India or Sri Lanka. So to achieve that I will do my best whether I bat at number sever, ten or eleven. Personally my focus will be on my bowling, as always.



On the batting order of India and Sri Lanka

The World Cup is a big tournament and that is why some pressure will come automatically. But I am always confident with the ball in the hand and I hope that I can do well this time also.



Rajin Saleh


On his role in the team

I am prepared to play at any position for the interest of the team. There are some practice matches before the World Cup. If I get the chance I have to do well to get the opportunity to play in the main tournament.



On his comeback

Our domestic cricket is very tough. As I did well there I now have the confidence to do the same for the national team in the World Cup.



Syed Rasel



On himself

I think I remain the same bowler as I was before. My main strength is line-length and I can also swing the ball both ways.



On the view that his pace has dropped a bit

It is not good to hear. For me the World Cup is a challenge. I have to prove that I have some other ammunition thing rather than pace.



Shahadat Hossain


On his target

To hit batsmen on their head! No…I was just joking. This is my first World Cup and I want to bowl well there. A fast bowler needs to be aggressive and I will definitely bowl aggressively. If a few deliveries jolt helmets then it will feel very good also (Laughs).



On his inconsistent bowling

Before I wanted to take a wicket every ball and sometimes went overboard with that. Now I am working on bowling to a plan. My line and length is much better now.



Shakib Al Hasan


On his batting order

I am ready to play at any position for the interest of the team.



Target as an all-rounder

I do not set any target before a match. I play according to the match situation.



On his changes

I am becoming more mature with time.



Mushfiqur Rahim



Any added pressure because of all the talks about Khaled Masud not being there

I do not see it as pressure. We all are professionals. So I want to concentrate on my job in the field.



Whether having three other former BKSP mates helps him overcome pressure

Obviously. As many of us have been playing together for a long time, it definitely helps.



Whether he rates himself as a batsman-wicketkeeper or a wicketkeeper-batsman

The selectors have included me in the team as a batsman-wicketkeeper. So I want to score some runs but at the same time doing my job properly behind the stumps is equally important.



Tamim Iqbal


On his aggressive batting

I have not yet started thinking about the World Cup. If I get a chance I will play it as just like another match. My natural style of play will not change for sure. I will play the way I have learnt to play since childhood.



On his two one day internationals

I was a bit nervous in the first match. But in the second match I was playing really well. I played in my natural aggressive way but got out unluckily.



Difference between Premier League and the international matches

There is more pressure in the international matches. In the World Cup I will try to be as relaxed as possible.





Javed Omer



On his first World Cup

I am very excited to get an opportunity finally to play in the World Cup. But the more important thing is to perform well. I will try to do that.



Whether this is his last one day tournament

I have not thought about that. Right now I am concentrating hard only on the World Cup. After returning from the tournament I will decide on that matter.



After Ahmed



Whether he is the key to beat India or Sri Lanka

I believe that unity is the strength. So every player has to perform if we want to win against India or Sri Lanka. I will try to play my part.



On the spotlight turning to him from Ashraful

I do not play cricket thinking so many things. My only objective is to play well and to give the team something.



Abdur Razzak



If there is a rivalry with Rafique

It’s a healthy rivalry. It is an inspiration for me to do well.



On his target

I want to make it a memorable tournament as this is my first World Cup. I will try to deliver according to my team’s requirement.



Tapash Baisha


On his comeback

I was out of the team because of injury. I got back my fitness, performed well in the domestic competitions and returned to the national team. Now I will try to cement my place once again.



Whether this is extra motivation because the World Cup is going to be held in his happy hunting ground, the West Indies

Definitely this is extra motivation. Last time when we toured the West Indies I bowled really well. I know the wickets well. So this time I will try to achieve the same. I want to get many wickets and also some runs.



Dav Whatmore



Inspiration of playing in the West Indies

The inspiration is to do well in the World Cup, does not matter where we go. This a very big tournament and our objective is to do as well as we can.



On the argument that this is not a settled team

That is your personal opinion. I respect that but do not agree with that. As far as we are concerned we picked the best possible team for Bangladesh.



Possibility of beating India or Sri Lanka

I just feel it is becoming more of a realistic achievement the longer Bangladesh plays. If you asked the same question two years ago or even maybe 12 months ago I think it was not quite as realistic as it is now and it will continue to be more of a realistic objective as time goes on. As the captain said it is going to be difficult. I think it is becoming more of a real chance, a reality Bangladesh is moving through and that is the way we are looking at it.

 

[Richard]

 

[Miraz]

Bangladesh comfortably defeated Bermuda in the opening match of the ICC tri series at Antigua Recreation ground.

After restricting Bermuda to a modest 205/8 in 50 overs, Bangladesh reached the target in just 37.3 overs. Shahriar Nafees remained not out with 104 runs in 112 balls, Sakib Al Hasan supported him well with a patient 42 runs. Aftab Ahmed produced a blistering display of 42 runs in 27 balls.

A good start in the WC campaign but again too weak opposition. Waiting for Warm Up match against New Zealand on March 6.

 

[legglancer12]

Ranatunga backs Sri Lanka
Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga believes this month`s World Cup may be his country`s best chance to win the tournament for some time as a number of key players come towards the end of their careers.

Ranatunga has identified 37-year-old opener Sanath Jayasuriya as the key man for Mahela Jayawardene's charges, along with spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, 34, and 33-year-old seamer Chaminda Vaas.

Jayasuriya, who briefly retired from international cricket last year before returning in May to face England, is in fine form and will look to help his side emulate their feat of 1996, when they surprised the cricket world to win the tournament thanks to a seven-wicket victory over Australia in the final in Lahore.

Ranatunga said: "Sanath will be the key if we are to win the World Cup. He's playing well and he’s vital for the side. It’s important not to put any additional pressure on him. He should be allowed to play his natural game.

"I am not too sure whether Murali and Vaasy will be around in another four years' time and we have got to win the World Cup when these players are around.

“Sanath and Murali are the type of players that we don't get too often. They are once in a lifetime players and we’ve got to do it when they are still around. This is our best chance.

"I feel that this is a strong side and we have a chance to win, if we play properly and with a positive frame of mind."

Ranatunga is not entirely happy with the make-up of Sri Lanka's squad, however, nor the team's preparations heading into the World Cup.

All-rounder Upul Chandana was left out of the final 15, and Ranatunga believes he would have had something to offer in all three facets of the game.

Sri Lanka warmed up for the tournament with a 2-1 series defeat in India - a series in which Chandana did not feature, while pace bowler Nuwan Zoysa, also omitted from the 15, did not bowl a ball.

Ranatunga said: "My only issue is, I am not too sure whether they have picked the right 15. I felt that someone like Upul Chandana would have come in handy.

“He's capable of a few big blows and he’s a brilliant fielder who can save 20-25 runs. I don't want to say who should have been left out, but Chandana and Nuwan Zoysa should have got a closer look.

"From the way we played in India, I thought we hadn't planned enough. We look a very good side when we are winning, but when things go wrong, we seem to panic.

“That’s something that Sri Lanka has to sort out quickly. When things are going our way they are together and everyone is involved, but when things get out of hand, I feel a lot of people put their heads down and it doesn't look good."

Sri Lanka begin their campaign against Bermuda in Trinidad on March 15

 

[Rajeev]

let the games begin, all this premonition is just too funny

In form, india will run past the minnows ( ie., lanka, bangla and bermuda )

 

[JASON]

I absolutely agree with Ranatunga , in that Nuwan Zoysa and Chandana should have been in, ahead of some old time wasters who keep re-appearing at these sort of events without really doing much to justify their selection ... and we all know who they are...