Ireland says it will beat Bangladesh, spoil the co-host's party

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

Ireland says it will beat Bangladesh, spoil the co-host's party


The Canadian Press: Ireland says it will beat Bangladesh, spoil the co-host's party

By Chris Brummitt (CP) – 8 hours ago

DHAKA, Bangladesh — Ireland will beat Bangladesh and spoil the World Cup party for the co-hosts, wicketkeeper Niall O'Brien predicted on Monday.

Ireland will be starting its Group B campaign in Friday's match, while Bangladesh will look for a much-needed a victory after losing to fellow co-host India in Saturday's tournament opener

Form suggests a tight match: Bangladesh is a test-playing nation, but sits just one rung above Ireland in the one-day international rankings. The Irish beat Bangladesh in the 2007 World Cup, where they also defeated Pakistan and reached the Super Eight stage.

The Irish side, which has seven players with contracts in English county cricket, is not short of confidence.

"We have got a good enough team to win here Friday night, and that is what we are going to do," said O'Brien. "If that means spoiling the party, so be it."

Hosting the event for the first time means a lot to Bangladesh, a desperately poor country where few can afford much in the way of entertainment.

On the eve of the opening game, tens of thousands of people crammed the streets of Dhaka, singing and dancing.

O'Brien said it was a "shame" that the International Cricket Council is to limit the next World Cup to 10 nations, something that will make it much more difficult for ICC Associate nations like Kenya, Ireland, Netherlands and Canada to take part.

"We pride ourselves on being on the top of the so-called associates or minnows," said O'Brien, who hit 50s against England and Pakistan in 2007.

"If we can put in strong performances over the next few weeks and win matches against teams we ... should not beat, as we have done in the past, then that is only going to strengthen our case (to be included)."

As well as India, Group B also includes England, South Africa, West Indies and Netherlands.

With only four to qualify, competition for the final berth is likely to be intense.

"It is a must-win game for us," Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal told The Associated Press.

"If we can play to our potential, we can beat any side in the world, whether it is Ireland, England or the West Indies."

Iqbal top-scored with 70 in the match against India, but the runs did not come as quickly as the big-hitter would have liked.

"I can't come every day and hit everything," he said. "But just wait, you will see a quick-fire century from me before the end of the tournament."

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

I think with Ireland we should bat first ... n make 300+ score to destroy their moral early... n what do you think guys what should be the best team for bangladesh???? n what could be done for batting....???

What about this team...

1. Tamim Iqbal
2. Imrul Qayes
3. Junaed Siddique
4. Shakib Al Hassan
5. Musfiqur Rahim
6. Mahmudullah
7.Rakibul Hassan
8. To be discussed later
9. Abdur Razzaq
10. Shafiul Islam/Nazmul Islam
11. Rubbel

For the 8th position this time I am hearing Naeem Islam may be changed with Shuvo... but what about with Ashraful... I know he is not in good form but some time he may get his form back and he can also bowl off spin... can not bangladesh afford to take ashraful at number 8 position considering his potential against big matches and increase the batting strength...

I am hearing some rumor Mashrafee Murtoza is bowling at full speed at the net... n bd cricket board is looking for option to bring him back... is it possible?? Or is it true??? If mashrafe is brought back then whom should he replaced in the team rubel of shafiul???

 

[DelhiDareDevil]

Bangladesh were to confident against India, thinking they would beat us.

So for that case, hope Ireland beat Bangladesh.

 

[integra]

I am hearing some rumor Mashrafee Murtoza is bowling at full speed at the net... n bd cricket board is looking for option to bring him back... is it possible?? Or is it true??? If mashrafe is brought back then whom should he replaced in the team rubel of shafiul???

Bangladesh want Mortaza back

MIRPUR: Bangladesh selectors may have missed a trick by failing to pick the experienced Mashrafe bin Mortaza in the final XV, thereby giving him a chance to recover from a knee injury in time to play in his third World Cup, but after being hammered by India in the opening game, there is tremendous pressure on the team management to bring back the all-rounder to bolster the home team's attack.

Over the past couple of days, local newspapers and television channels have harped on how it would have been a different story had Mortaza been available to bowl against India, or how Sehwag would have been vulnerable against his in-cutters, or how Mortaza's experience and record against India could have worked to Bangladesh's advantage had he been around.

This has led to the build-up of a strong public opinion in favour of the dashing all-rounder, who has undergone six operations on his two knees in as many years and has put off another surgery in a bid to play in the World Cup. If a source in Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is to be believed, skipper Shakib Al Hasan wanted the selectors to keep Mortaza in the XV and replace him if he failed to recover in time, but was overruled as they were not willing to risk another Mortaza breakdown.

Following Bangladesh's loss to India in the hyped-up opener, a section of BCB officials too are keen to have Mortaza back. The problem is that under WC rules a player can only be replaced if he is injured.

Mortaza, who turned recluse for a while after being left out of the squad, has not only resurfaced but has kept the pressure right up on the team management by showing up regularly at the team nets.

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Pls pray for mashrafe, without his bowling we are in deep trouble. Remember he has the records for highest strike rate in Tests and ODIs for bangladesh, similarly he's the fastest bowler we have. He was the one who kicked out shewag last time.

 

[Hyde]

I think with Ireland we should bat first ... n make 300+ score to destroy their moral early... n what do you think guys what should be the best team for bangladesh???? n what could be done for batting....???

What about this team...

1. Tamim Iqbal
2. Imrul Qayes
3. Junaed Siddique
4. Shakib Al Hassan
5. Musfiqur Rahim
6. Mahmudullah
7.Rakibul Hassan
8. To be discussed later
9. Abdur Razzaq
10. Shafiul Islam/Nazmul Islam
11. Rubbel

For the 8th position this time I am hearing Naeem Islam may be changed with Shuvo... but what about with Ashraful... I know he is not in good form but some time he may get his form back and he can also bowl off spin... can not bangladesh afford to take ashraful at number 8 position considering his potential against big matches and increase the batting strength...

I am hearing some rumor Mashrafee Murtoza is bowling at full speed at the net... n bd cricket board is looking for option to bring him back... is it possible?? Or is it true??? If mashrafe is brought back then whom should he replaced in the team rubel of shafiul???

you must definitely play Ashraful in the whole match

he is one of the most experienced and also a good all-rounder. He might perform on the day you need him the most

or might break long standing partnerships all of a sudden. You lost India very badly anyway - so may be the presence of Ashraful might be very helpful for future matches

 

[Dalai Lama]

I'll be rooting for Ireland!

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

Bangladesh want Mortaza back

MIRPUR: Bangladesh selectors may have missed a trick by failing to pick the experienced Mashrafe bin Mortaza in the final XV, thereby giving him a chance to recover from a knee injury in time to play in his third World Cup, but after being hammered by India in the opening game, there is tremendous pressure on the team management to bring back the all-rounder to bolster the home team's attack.

Over the past couple of days, local newspapers and television channels have harped on how it would have been a different story had Mortaza been available to bowl against India, or how Sehwag would have been vulnerable against his in-cutters, or how Mortaza's experience and record against India could have worked to Bangladesh's advantage had he been around.

This has led to the build-up of a strong public opinion in favour of the dashing all-rounder, who has undergone six operations on his two knees in as many years and has put off another surgery in a bid to play in the World Cup. If a source in Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is to be believed, skipper Shakib Al Hasan wanted the selectors to keep Mortaza in the XV and replace him if he failed to recover in time, but was overruled as they were not willing to risk another Mortaza breakdown.

Following Bangladesh's loss to India in the hyped-up opener, a section of BCB officials too are keen to have Mortaza back. The problem is that under WC rules a player can only be replaced if he is injured.

Mortaza, who turned recluse for a while after being left out of the squad, has not only resurfaced but has kept the pressure right up on the team management by showing up regularly at the team nets.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pls pray for mashrafe, without his bowling we are in deep trouble. Remember he has the records for highest strike rate in Tests and ODIs for bangladesh, similarly he's the fastest bowler we have. He was the one who kicked out shewag last time.

There is another way to bring Mashrafe back if 1 of the player withdraw his name or removed from the list... Nazmul islam can be removed as he has not played a single game yet and has a slim chance of doing that....

Whats about ashraful in place of Naeem or shuvro will be better....

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

you must definitely play Ashraful in the whole match

he is one of the most experienced and also a good all-rounder. He might perform on the day you need him the most

or might break long standing partnerships all of a sudden. You lost India very badly anyway - so may be the presence of Ashraful might be very helpful for future matches

We lost to India due to bad bowling.. not for batting ... 370 is a very diffcult and almost impossible target for any team.... but there were many possibilities... what if mashrafe would have played... what if bangladesh would bat first and would score 283... I personally believe India would be under lots of pressure to chase that target as loosing to bangladesh phobia would act in to their mind... n they would try to play defensive game... which might cause them more wicket...

 

[integra]

Ashraful is a must at 6th position, I dunno what the selection teams doping 'bout. They always leave out the experienced players for the sake of virgins. I mean c'mon none of the players are above 24yrs. Where is alok kapali, shahriar nafees, shahadat(claimed to be faster than Mash) etc etc.

 

[Hyde]

We lost to India due to bad bowling.. not for batting ... 370 is a very diffcult and almost impossible target for any team.... but there were many possibilities... what if mashrafe would have played... what if bangladesh would bat first and would score 283... I personally believe India would be under lots of pressure to chase that target as loosing to bangladesh phobia would act in to their mind... n they would try to play defensive game... which might cause them more wicket...

well lets be realistic and I think Ashraful may have helped break the long partnership of Sehwag and Kohli. He is an experienced all-rounder and deserves a place in major tournaments

Moshrafe is not there - but Ashraful is

 

[Dalai Lama]

We lost to India due to bad bowling.. not for batting ... 370 is a very diffcult and almost impossible target for any team.... but there were many possibilities... what if mashrafe would have played... what if bangladesh would bat first and would score 283... I personally believe India would be under lots of pressure to chase that target as loosing to bangladesh phobia would act in to their mind... n they would try to play defensive game... which might cause them more wicket...

Maybe, but I think the Indian bowlers got passive which is why your batsmen managed the 280. I don't think Bangladesh would have scored 280 if they batted first. However the bowlers are not on par with our Batsmen, I'll give you that.

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

well lets be realistic and I think Ashraful may have helped break the long partnership of Sehwag and Kohli. He is an experienced all-rounder and deserves a place in major tournaments

Moshrafe is not there - but Ashraful is

we know about it.. so some section has asked about ashraful in place of naeem... but selector may be looking for shuvro... lets see what will happen but unavailability of mashrafe has put bangladesh into a difficult position...

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

Maybe, but I think the Indian bowlers got passive which is why your batsmen managed the 280. I don't think Bangladesh would have scored 280 if they batted first. However the bowlers are not on par with our Batsmen, I'll give you that.

most of the run scored at the beginning hardly due to Indian bowler got passive... instead bd batsman could not score run at the later part of the game... that they should have done.... I personally believe up to 310-320 could be winnable even if batted second.

 

[Dalai Lama]

most of the run scored at the beginning hardly due to Indian bowler got passive... instead bd batsman could not score run at the later part of the game... that they should have done.... I personally believe up to 310-320 could be winnable even if batted second.

Yes, 320 is beatable. But I wouldn't judge the Indian bowlers by that performance, they weren't under any pressure to perform well. But like I said they ain't very good either. It would be interesting to see what happens in Ireland vs Bangladesh match.

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Sports
ICC Cricket World Cup 2011

Tigers thinking of the Irish only

Bangladesh players jog during a practice session at the GP BCB National Cricket Academy Ground in Mirpur yesterday. Photo: Anisur RahmanBishwajit Roy

After a day's rest, the Tigers returned to business at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday. The sun didn't shine on the day, but the gloom as well as the defeat against India in the opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup hardly dampened the spirit of Shakib Al Hasan's men. They looked like a happy unit.

There might have been lack of enthusiasm outside the stadium comparing the euphoria before the opening ceremony and the opening match, but there was no shortage of enthusiasm among the players.

"As players need rest, so do the fans. But I am sure they will sing and cheer for us like they did before when we play Ireland," responded Bangladesh vice-captain Tamim Iqbal with a smile when a foreign journalist drew his attention to the lack of enthusiasm around the stadium.

The mood in the Tigers' tent was that what happened against India was now past and they had to shift their focus on their next game against Ireland on February 25 at Mirpur.

"We had a meeting today and what I can assure everybody is that we are no longer thinking about the India match. We still have five matches in the first round and we are now completely focussing on Ireland. In my opinion today is the best day in one and a half months' practice as everybody enjoyed it and was relaxed," added Tamim.

There is hardly any scope for the Tigers to be complacent against the Europeans, who not only have a sweet memory against the Tigers in the 2007 World Cup but also have the ability to stun any team on their day, and Tamim also believed that they would need to play their best to beat the ICC Associate Member nation.

"It's World Cup, so there is no scope to be complacent at any stage. Ireland are a good team but we have the experience of playing against them and we know almost all of their players. We need to execute our plans which we failed to do against India. Our team is in good shape mentally and what I believe is that we have the ability to beat any team if we can play to our potential," observed Tamim.

But it's not easy to bring back the confidence of the bowlers, particularly the pacers after the way they were punished by the Indian batsmen. Shafiul Islam was particularly terrible and he was nowhere near his natural bowling in the first game, but coach Jamie Siddons assured that his bowlers were confident enough.

"We did not bowl very well but our confidence is really good, we bowled against probably the best batting line up in the World," said Siddons.

The Bangladesh coach also believed that it was poor bowling and not the decision of bowling first that caused the 87-run defeat in the first game.

"I admit we bowled badly and that is the only thing you can criticise, not the decision [to bowl first]. You are the same people who termed the decision crazy after we put up a 290-plus score and still lost the game. Which way you want: you can't have it both ways," Siddons reacted sharply on the criticism over his captain's decision to bowl first, pointing out the dew factor as well as the statistics.

It seemed that the whole team rallied behind the decision and there were hints if Shakib wins the toss in the next game he will do the same.