As India commenced its cricketing battle against Bangladesh in the second quarter-final of the 2015 World Cup, it will be reminded of the caribbean nightmare – unexpected defeat they faced at the hands of 'minnows' in 2007 World Cup. As anyone would understand, winning this game would mean entry into the semifinals, which will bring either of the teams closer to the Cup. However, that is where the similarity in significance ends for both the teams in question today. Bangladesh is a comparative lightweight and this is the first time it is playing in the knockout stage of the World Cup. In 2007, the team had played in the Super 8 stages but it was a league match, not a knockout one. So, this will be a different experience for Bangladeshi players.
The senior players, including Shakib Al Hasan, have said how they will enjoy the atmosphere considering they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. They also feel that this will put pressure on India, an observation that is not far off the mark. A victory will also prove that the team is on the track to progress.
India is the world champion, and by virtue of that it is expected to win the game. A defeat will mean the end of the World Cup journey for MS Dhoni, who a la Sangakkara and Jayawardene, is unlikely to play international cricket much longer. However, the way India has played so far, its fans could rest assured that the team will be more eager than cowed down by the weight of a possible failure.
Effect of Conditions
The game will be played at Melbourne, which has a batting wicket with something in it for quick bowlers. One can expect the batsmen from both the teams to enjoy the conditions. Even the seamers would find the conditions favourable. The spinners will also come into play because they can make it hard for batsmen to clear the boundary, given the huge size of the ground.
As India commenced its cricketing battle against Bangladesh in the second quarter-final of the 2015 World Cup, it will be reminded of the caribbean nightmare – unexpected defeat they faced at the hands of 'minnows' in 2007 World Cup. As anyone would understand, winning this game would mean entry into the semifinals, which will bring either of the teams closer to the Cup. However, that is where the similarity in significance ends for both the teams in question today. Bangladesh is a comparative lightweight and this is the first time it is playing in the knockout stage of the World Cup. In 2007, the team had played in the Super 8 stages but it was a league match, not a knockout one. So, this will be a different experience for Bangladeshi players.
The senior players, including Shakib Al Hasan, have said how they will enjoy the atmosphere considering they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. They also feel that this will put pressure on India, an observation that is not far off the mark. A victory will also prove that the team is on the track to progress.
India is the world champion, and by virtue of that it is expected to win the game. A defeat will mean the end of the World Cup journey for MS Dhoni, who a la Sangakkara and Jayawardene, is unlikely to play international cricket much longer. However, the way India has played so far, its fans could rest assured that the team will be more eager than cowed down by the weight of a possible failure.
Effect of Conditions
The game will be played at Melbourne, which has a batting wicket with something in it for quick bowlers. One can expect the batsmen from both the teams to enjoy the conditions. Even the seamers would find the conditions favourable. The spinners will also come into play because they can make it hard for batsmen to clear the boundary, given the huge size of the ground.
