Friday, February 18, 2011

India Vs Bangladesh Revenge Vs Repeat

Bangladesh shattered dreams of millions of Indian cricket fans when they defeated India in the league stage and eliminated them from the tournament. India was very keen to lift the cup in 2007 as it was expected to be the last cup for their senior pros. There was a huge build-up before the tournament as if India is destined to lift the cup. The celebrated and hyped Indian batting came cropper against a disciplined bowling by Bangladesh strike bowlers. India and Pakistan caught their flight back home as early as the other minnows in the tournament. The only comforting aspect was that their arch rival Pakistan too made first round exit. Bangladesh progressed to the second round at the cost of India. It was quite an achievement for Bangladesh team.

Does that game has anything to do with scheduling an India Vs Bangladesh as an opener in 2011 World Cup?. India will be completely aware of the fact that they were eliminated by the same minnows in previous edition of the format and may feel some nerves during the game. India will be looking forward for the revenge and will look to destroy the Bangladesh bowling attack. Their job will be easier if they bat first. They can set a target that is out of reach of the Bangladesh team and can bat Bangladesh out of the game even before a ball is bowled in Bangladesh innings. India have a batting line up that can decimate the Bangladesh bowling attack. Indian batting alone can win the game for India against Bangladesh. If half of Indian batting line up have a good day on that day, Bangladesh will be out of the contest. But India will certainly have some nervous moments if they bat second and may feel pressure from the fact that it was the game against the same team that halted their progress in the previous edition of the tournament.

Bangladesh on the other hand will be looking to repeat history and defeat India. Bangladesh may have a more realistic chance if they bat first and pile up a huge score. Bangladesh has the ability to put up a big score if they bat first against this Indian bowling attack. Their captain Shakib-ul-Hassan will be quite handy and can make a great impact on this match, particularly if Bangladesh bats first. If Tamim Iqbal and Shakib-ul-Hassan come good with a couple of good performances from few other key players, Bangladesh can repeat the history.

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