ZCZC
BSP-20
CRICKET-MUSHFIQUR
Buoyant Mushfiqur sees Tigers’ bigger success in World Cup
DHAKA, April 28, 2019 (BSS)-Bangladesh’ senior player Mushfiqur Rahim
welcomed the format of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup when there was
widespread apprehension that the current system could hinder Tigers’
aspiration to seal the semifinal berth.
The International Cricket Council, the apex body of world cricket returned
to the format of 1992 Cricket World Cup this year, meaning the group stage
format is a round-robin, where all ten teams play each other once, in a
single group. A total of 45 matches will be played, with each team playing a
total of nine matches, something which is considered as grueling format for
every team.
A team needs to win at least five matches to ensure their semifinal spot, a
job is considered as tougher for Bangladesh given the fact that they never
won more than three matches in any single World Cup.
But Mushfiqur Rahim seemed to remain unfazed by those previous stats and
the doubt of the people about Bangladesh’ chances.
“In 2007 World Cup, we moved to the second round by beating India.
Sometimes we could never qualify in the next level despite being drawn in the
easy group. Yes, the current format is tough by any means but everyone gets
fair opportunity,” he said.
“In this sense, the format is good for everybody. We are upbeat despite
the tough format because we are not the same Bangladesh team like the past.
We have no doubt in our mind that Bangladesh is now a top gun in the world.
So we are welcoming this format. I believe Bangladesh will qualify to the
next level even playing in this format,” he said.
Experience is what makes Mushfiqur Rahim upbeat indeed. As far as
experience is concerned, Bangladesh remains ahead of many teams in this World
Cup. A total of four players of Bangladesh-Mushfiqur himself, Tamim Iqbal,
Shakib Al Hasan and captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza are going to play their
fourth World Cup while for Mahmudullah, another player in Bangladesh’s ‘Fab
Five’ will play his third World Cup.
With the experience in their side, Mushfiqur terms this Bangladesh team as
the best World Cup team ever the country has seen and expects that they are
destined for bigger things.
“As far as the experience is concerned, this Bangladesh team is definitely
a strong team. If not the best in the World at the moment, I think our team
is one of the best teams. We were so close, yet so far in the past years in
global event. It seems the destiny is now writing something bigger for us,”
Mushfiqur, considered as the most dependable batsman of the side, remarked.
Musfiqur however stressed upon the requirements of being consistent in
the World Cup, saying that they need to grab the momentum right from the
beginning.
“For Bangladesh, any team could be tougher but if we can play up to our
potential, we can beat any team in the world,” he said, brimming with
confidence.
“What is important is to play good cricket on a given day. We have to
remain consistent from the start. We have series in Ireland in which we will
play against Ireland and West Indies-both of whom are strong outfit.
Thereafter we’ll play a warm up game against India and Pakistan. Above all we
have good chances to take a good preparation. Now we need to be upbeat about
our ability,” he concluded.
BSS/SMP/ARS/1936 hrs