Bangladesh, full of confidence after crushing Afghanistan in their Pool A opener, are apparently not afraid of facing Australia – the top-ranked ODI side they hope to beat on Saturday.
The Tigers started their World Cup campaign with a massive 105-run victory against Afghanistan at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on Wednesday.
“They (Australia) are the number one team at the moment for the way they are playing. So it’s not going to be easy, but it’s not going to be impossible either,” Mushfiqur Rahim said at the post-match press conference.
Mushfiq, adjudged the Man of the Match for a brilliant 71-run knock, said, “In one day cricket anyone can win on any day. Ireland did it against West Indies… Anyone can win in this game.”
“Obviously going to that match, everyone will think that Australia are going to win easily. So hopefully we’ll have something to prove. And all the boys are geared up for that match.”
The wicketkeepr-batsman said the team were inspired by the big win over debutants Afghanistan.
“We are looking forward to the challenge against Australia, Sri Lanka and England.”
He, however, maintained that Bangladesh team still had to improve in all three departments. “We are confident. We hope to play some good matches.”
Captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza was all praise for the bowlers at the news conference.
He hoped that they would be able to continue the winning streak for the rest of their matches.
“We need to perform continuously. Everybody will be confident after this good beginning. But we have bigger matches ahead. We need to prepare ourselves more properly.”
The Tigers will face Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday.
The Bangladesh skipper thinks pacers Rubel Hossain and Taskin Ahmed can put some pressure on the opponents on the fastest wicket in the world.
“Both Rubel and Taskin can bowl 140kmph. So if they can bowl with that pace in the right areas it doesn’t matter who the batsmen are. The ball will do the rest.”
Mashrafe hopes the Bangladesh batsmen would not face any major trouble in the The Gabba as they are already familiarised with Australia’s condition.
“We haven’t played in Gabba yet, but we heard that it has one of the quickest wickets in Australia. So hopefully we’ll do well and we are looking forward to it.”
Source: Bd news24
