Ganguly: Tigers will put up a better fight than Proteas

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly feels Bangladesh will put up better fight against India in the Champions Trophy semi-final than South Africa did when they were dumped out of the tournament.
The Proteas – who came into the event as the top-ranked side in ODI cricket – wilted under pressure in their must-win clash on Sunday and were bundled out for 191, which included three horrendous run-outs in their innings, and went on to lose by eight wickets.
India will now play fellow Asian side Bangladesh in a last-four clash at Edgbaston on Thursday after the Tigers, surprisingly, came second – ahead of Australia and New Zealand – behind hosts England in group A.
The now 44-year-old Ganguly, who skippered India to the Champions Trophy title in 2002, says the Tigers have a good batting line-up and play well against spin but still feels his countrymen will be to strong for the Asian compatriots.
A left-handed batsman who scored more than 15 000 runs in ODIs, Ganguly told India Today: “South Africa were mentally weak when playing India.
“It was a remarkable performance by India. In terms of quality, South Africa were a better team in these conditions but their performance were very poor.
“On paper, Bangladesh are a weaker team than South Africa but will probably pull up a better fight because they have a good batting lineup, they play spin well and their bowlers have done well.
“But I am not too sure if they are strong enough to beat this rampaging Indian team.”
Latest
-
England
Jos Buttler will let England’s white-ball legacy be decided by others
Eight members from the class of 2019 are in England’s 15-strong squad for the defence of their 50-over crown in India, which starts this week.
-
News
5 players to watch at the Cricket World Cup in India
England take on New Zealand in Thursday’s tournament opener.
-
England
Can England defend their crown? – World Cup talking points
The tournament takes place in India.
-
County Cricket
Middlesex relegated from Division One as Kent survive on dramatic final day
Middlesex fell just short of the victory they needed at Nottinghamshire to stay up instead of Kent.
-
India
England captain Jos Buttler believes India are favourites for World Cup
The last three editions of the Cricket World Cup – India in 2011, Australia in 2015 and England in 2019 – have been won by the host nation.
-
County Cricket
Surrey retain County Championship title after Essex batting collapse
The holders have been crowned champions for the 21st time.
-
County Cricket
Geoffrey Boycott: Everybody in Newcastle hates Mike Ashley amid Headingley links
The PA news agency understands the Frasers Group, where Ashley is chief executive, is one of the parties interested in purchasing Headingley.
-
County Cricket
Essex’s slim hopes of winning County Championship dented by Northamptonshire
Essex need at least 400 to have any chance of claiming top spot.
-
England
Matthew Mott: Jofra Archer ‘desperate to play but realistic’ ahead of World Cup
The 28-year-old is not expected to be ready to return to action until the tournament is close to a conclusion.