Bangladesh teens challenge Lanka veterans
AFP
Giant-killers Bangladesh are counting on their teenagers to deliver yet again when they clash with experienced Sri Lanka in their second ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 match.
Teenagers Tamim Iqbal, Saqibul Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim played key roles in Bangladesh's shock five-wicket victory over 1983 champions India in the previous game here on Saturday, slamming impressive half-centuries.
Just one win was enough to raise Bangladesh's hopes of qualifying for the next Super Eight stage from Group B. In their last game, they will take on first-timers Bermuda who lost to Sri Lanka by 243 runs in their first match.
Sri Lanka have won 17 of their 18 one-day internationals against Bangladesh, but are not expected to have another stroll in the park this time considering their opponents' recent form.
Bangladesh are looking a different side since arriving in the Caribbean early this month, having stunned higher-ranked New Zealand in a warm-up game in Barbados and then India here.
"We haven't played against most of the Bangladeshi players, but we watched them against India and they looked very good," said veteran Sri Lankan opening batsman Marvan Atapattu.
"The word pressure just doesn't exist with them. There is also the advantage of being young. When you have been around for a long time, the opposition can work out your strengths and weaknesses."
Sri Lanka may have veterans in hard-hitting batsman Sanath Jayasuriya, off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan and left-arm fast bowler Chaminda Vaas, but cannot afford to have an off-day, as India did.
Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are seeking a crucial win here as it will boost their chances of advancing to the next round.
"The win against India has put us in a good position to enter the next round," said Bangladesh skipper Habibul Bashar.
Bangladesh have already sprung one of the major surprises of the tournament when they outplayed India in all departments of the game. Discipline was the key to their success as they never allowed India to bounce back.
Their bowlers did a commendable job against Rahul Dravid's Indian team, with paceman Mashrafe Mortaza showing the way with four wickets on a helpful pitch which offered him both bounce and movement.
Left-arm spinners Mohammad Rafique and Abdur Razzak kept the pressure in middle overs, finishing with three wickets apiece to help their team restrict India to a modest 191.
Left-handed opener Iqbal, who turns 18 on Tuesday, scored an explosive half-century to put his team on course for victory. Hasan, 19, and Rahim, 18, then completed the job.
An exciting battle is on the cards between Iqbal and Jayasuriya as both are bold stroke-makers who can dominate any attack with their over-the-top hitting in initial overs having fielding restrictions.
Iqbal is playing in his maiden ICC Cricket World Cup but has earned lavish praises from his rivals, including New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming and India coach Greg Chappell.
The Bangladeshi opener had slammed a 48-ball 46 against New Zealand in the practice game before dominating the Indian attack with a 53-ball 51.
Jayasuriya may be playing in his fifth and last ICC Cricket World Cup, but has not shed his flair and flamboyance. He was his team's key batsman last year, scoring more than 1,000 runs with five centuries.
While Bangladesh were involved in a pressure game against India, Sri Lanka were hardly tested in their opening match.
Current Affairs
Anupamaa
Udne Ki Aasha
Shiv Shakti
Hindi TV Shows
Health and Fitness
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
1