Bashar Looks For Vital Win

Reports & previews

Cricket365
March 17, 2007

Bangladesh's Habibul Bashar knows they need to beat either India or Sri Lanka if they are to progress past the group stages.

Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar knows his side need to beat either India on Saturday or Sri Lanka on Wednesday if they are to progress past the World Cup group stages.
An opening group B match against one of the favourites is not the ideal start for Bangladesh but Bashar is under no illusions about the task which lies ahead even after a morale-boosting two-wicket win over New Zealand and a victory over Scotland in warm-up games.
"We are looking to make it to the next stage and this would mean getting a win against India or Sri Lanka," he said ahead of the match at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain.
"The boys are confident, particularly after the way we played against New Zealand and we are hoping to provide more upsets along the way.
"We are playing against two tough sides in India and Sri Lanka and we know it would not be easy. But we have shown that we are capable of beating the top teams."
Bashar wants Bangladesh to leave the Caribbean with an enhanced reputation which can only come if his team played good cricket.
"We have two wins against our names so far. And we feel confident that if we play to our potential we can continue this way."
India captain Rahul Dravid is adamant his team will take nothing for granted against Bangladesh.
"They are a good side and we have seen what they did against New Zealand, so we will not be taking them lightly," Dravid said.
"We are approaching this game knowing full well what they are capable of doing."
Dravid reported all his players were fit and ready, adding: "We have spoken about the need to remain focused, and I think this will be the key to our success.
"I expect everyone to be switched on for every game and this could determine how far we go. It will be great to start with a win as this will raise the confidence of the players. Winning can become a habit."