Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha believes his team can cause an upset in the quarterfinals against defending champions India
The Bangladesh team takes its nickname very seriously. So do the 40-odd journalists travelling with them. No conversation is complete without a mention of "The Tigers" and their impressive run to the quarterfinals at the expense of a hapless and hopeless bunch from England.
In fact, it wouldn't be out of place to say that the loud and proud Bangladeshi media contingent considers itself to be the team's '12th man'. Every other scribe tries to convince you that Thursday's quarterfinal at the MCG will be a "tight match" because "The Tigers are not scared of anyone".
Never mind that India are the defending champions, Pool 'B' toppers and the only team to have picked up 60 wickets in six games. "They can have one bad day. Remember 2007?" one journo reminds you. But didn't Virender Sehwag shut them up at a packed Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in 2011? Never mind India's 24-3 record either.
Yes, it's true that after the heartbreak of 2011, the spirited lads from across our eastern border have punched above their weight. With three wins in six games, characterised by some wondrous batting and incisive bowling, Bangladesh believe they can upset the applecart yet again. So strong is the sense of bonding and camaraderie in the side that it comes across as a typical joint family of yore. Ever heard of a team sing together after every match? Bangladesh are doing just that. And the number they are crooning is Amra Korbo Joy, which is nothing but Hum Honge Kamyab.
Having a no-nonsense coach in Chandika Hathurusingha is also helping their cause. The 48-year-old Sri Lankan, who has worked with New South Wales as well as the Big Bash League franchise Sydney Thunder, says his boys are peaking at the right time. And like many, he believes that the team can, on its day, "catch the established sides off guard".
"I don't think there is any hidden secret to our success. The preparation was thorough. Not playing a lot of cricket in the lead-up to the World Cup was a good thing as we reached Brisbane a bit early to acclimatise to the Australian conditions. That was the key. All our key players are in form and, touch wood, there are very less few injury problems. The players are improving with every game," Hathurusingha said on Monday.
Hathurusingha, who partnered Roshan Mahanama at the top of the order during his playing days for Sri Lanka, acknowledged that knowing the conditions in Australia has helped him guide this bunch, ably led by the talismanic Mashrafe Mortaza. "It has helped me prepare a team and also chalk out specific training for these conditions. We changed a few techniques knowing the limitations of sub-continental players," he said.
He praised MS Dhoni & Co. for "playing very good cricket" before revealing that he would "keep an eye on" the fast bowling unit spearheaded by Mohammed Shami. "The team that enjoys (its cricket) will have a better game (on Thursday). We should embrace the opportunity presented (to us) and enjoy the situation. We have nothing to prove as we are good enough and that's why we are here (in the quarters)," he said.
Bangladesh had suffered a jolt ahead of the tournament when young fast bowler Rubel Hossain was arrested and put behind bars over a rape allegation lodged by his ex-girlfriend, the high-profile actress Naznin Akter Happy. The 19-year-old had claimed that Hossain had retreated from his promise to marry her. This is an offence under Bangladeshi law. Out on bail and allowed to take part in the World Cup, Hossain became a national hero after his brilliant performance against England the other day. Happy also proceeded to drop the case.
Hathurusingha explained how the team stood behind the 25-year-old. "We only spoke to him on cricketing matters. We never spoke about what he was going through. We focused on cricket. He was very professional and switched on the moment he came into the side. Whatever he has achieved here is all because of his hard work," said Hathurusingha, who has also worked with Sri Lanka 'A' and the UAE.
Unlike yesteryear Bangladeshi sides who were known to panic in pressure situations, this one is as tough as a nut. "I think we always talk about clear role for our players," Hathurusingha said, adding, "I can't speak about the past, but this team believes in itself."
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