ICC Champions Trophy: Bangladesh playing down expectations after reaching semis | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

ICC Champions Trophy: Bangladesh playing down expectations after reaching semis

Reuters | ByReuters
Jun 11, 2017 11:55 PM IST

Mashrafe Mortaza-led Bangladesh are keeping their feet firmly planted on the ground after reaching the semi-finals of an ICC tournament for the first time.

England’s resounding victory over Australia on Saturday enabled Bangladesh to book an unexpected spot in Champions Trophy semi-finals but the South Asians are playing down expectations of going all the way to claim a maiden major title.

Shakib al Hasan (L) and Mohammad Mahmudullah’s 224-run stand guided Bangladesh to a five-wicket win over New Zealand in a 2017 ICC Champions Trophy game at Cardiff.(Getty Images)
Shakib al Hasan (L) and Mohammad Mahmudullah’s 224-run stand guided Bangladesh to a five-wicket win over New Zealand in a 2017 ICC Champions Trophy game at Cardiff.(Getty Images)

The hosts had already qualified before the Edgbaston encounter but relished the chance to put one over their bitterest rivals and eased to a 40-run win in the rain-affected Group A finale to end Australia’s interest in the competition.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

(Read | ICC Champions Trophy: ‘New Zealand were too dependent on Kane Williamson’)

That loss enabled Bangladesh, who had stunned New Zealand the previous day, to advance at their expense and the Tigers are keeping their feet firmly planted on the ground after reaching the last four of a global tournament for the first time.

“It’s a big thing for our cricket. It is an opportunity for us but I want to request everybody not to think we will go all the way to win the title,” Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza told reporters at the team hotel in Cardiff.

(Read | ICC Champions Trophy: Dhananjaya de Silva to replace Kusal Perera for Sri Lanka)

“It’s a tournament of the top eight teams and more challenging than the World Cup. So, to be in the semi-final is itself an achievement for us. It is also a reward for our continued effort towards improving our game,” he added.

“I think everyone has contributed to what we are today. The whole nation will be with us as they were in our desperate times and good times.”

All four teams in Group B -- India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan -- can still advance going into their final round of pool matches but Bangladesh have no preference over who they wish to face at Edgbaston on Thursday.

(Read | Eoin Morgan, Ben Stokes changed momentum of the match: Michael Hussey)

“It can be any team and we are not thinking about that. Our focus for the next few days will be to prepare ourselves for the next game,” Mortaza added.

Number six Mahmudullah and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan made the highest partnership for any wicket in an ODI for the side when they put on 224 to take the match away from New Zealand but Bangladesh are resisting the temptation to tinker with their lineup.

(Read | ICC Champions Trophy: Ben Stokes’ talent can ‘go through roof’, says Eoin Morgan)

“We have given him (Mahmudullah) a role around six months ago, which is to bat at number six. He has responded well batting there,” batting coach Thilan Samaraweera said.

“He was actually batting further up when I took the job in 2015 but after that, the coaching staff thought about getting him ready for the 2019 World Cup with the role at six.

“He is doing well there, finishing the game for the team recently, in (the recent tri-series in) Ireland and against New Zealand on Friday.”

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RR vs DC Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On