Tigers out to crush Irish dream
Author / Source : Sports Reporter
DHAKA, Feb 23: Mushfiqur Rahim, wicketkeeper batsman of the Bangladesh side, dismissed Irish threat of spoiling Bangladeshs party, stressing that the Tigers will strive to make sure that they leave the field as victors. Rahims comments came three days after Irish wicketkeeper-cum opener Niall OBrien expressed Irelands aspiration to upset Bangladesh at their own backyard, replicating their previous World Cup feat.
We know that they are good enough to beat any team on their day. If they can play to their potential they can pose a serious threat to the bigger sides. However, we are confident in our abilities and are determined to crush their dream of upsetting us, the gloveman told reporters after Bangladeshs training session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
The diminutive Rahim has personal ambition for the encounter against the European team as well. Ive a definite personal goal which I want to achieve in the match, Rahim said.
If I get the chance to bat at the top order, I want to play a big knock in a winning cause, the Bogra-lad elaborated.
Rahim stressed upon the need to play to the best of the Tigers ability in order to take revenge against the Irish for the loss in the previous World Cup.
The bitter memory of that loss still haunts us. We drew the series against them eight months back on their home soil. And we also lost to them in the Twenty20 World Cup. We are desperate to win against them this time around. We need to play our best cricket and if we manage to do so, the revenge mission would be accomplished, Rahim said.
He stated that the team would rely on the left arm spinners to dismantle the Irish who has been staying and practicing here for the last one week and claim to have adapted to the local conditions.
However Rahim does not agree with the Irish view. No matter how long they have been practicing here, it is not easy for them to adapt. Also they do not have any world class spinner like us. And I dont think their batsmen are capable enough to tackle our spinners effectively. If we manage to play to our potential, the Irish have little chance of success, he warned.
Mushfiqur Rahim, batting in the number five position, threw his wicket away in the last match against India after getting well set. Obviously this did not help the Bangladeshi cause as they slowed down during the powerplay overs. He is being considered to be promoted up the order and play at the crucial number four position in the next match against Ireland.
I am used to playing at the position in domestic cricket and have also turned out for the national team as a number four batsman. So its not a problem for me at all. But I am definitely aware of the fact that I need to contribute a big score for the side if I do play second down, he commented.
Many experts and fans are predicting that the pressure will be on Bangladesh to beat Ireland, specially after their loss to India in the tournament opener. Mushfiqur Rahim however is ready to dismiss all the talk of pressure, rather he takes the match as a challenge.
When we play against comparatively weaker teams like Ireland, Kenya or Zimbabwe, everyone wants Bangladesh to win. I dont think its a pressure issue at all, rather I think its a challenge to fulfill our supporters aspirations, he said.
Weve been practicing seriously and the players are determined to leave their mark on the field he said.
