“They (Bangladesh) can’t beat us in Tests. They can surprise you in ODIs but not in Tests. They are an ordinary side.”
This was Virender Sehwag’s characteristic see-ball, hit-ball response on the eve of a match in Chittagong in 2010 when asked whether Bangladesh can beat India in Test cricket. It’s been 13 years since Sehwag’s blunt remarks, a precursor to his current-day social media avatar, but it’s appropriate to ask a similar question. Can Bangladesh beat India in a high-stakes World Cup game?
Bangladesh’s legion of supporters will, of course, point to the famous upset they caused in the Caribbean in 2007, but in the 16 years since that win which sent shockwaves through India, their progress has arguably been minimal.
Which is why victory against India in Pune on Thursday will be considered just as big an upset. India are flying after three straight victories to kick off their World Cup campaign while Bangladesh are caught in a familiar rut. Since beating Afghanistan by six wickets in their opening match, they have been comprehensively beaten by England in Dharamsala and by New Zealand in Chennai.
The problems are manifold. Having allowed an England batting unit that’s not quite firing on all cylinders to hammer 364, they folded up for 227 in response. When it was their turn to bat first and give the bowlers a decent total to defend against New Zealand, they stumbled to a below-par 245/9. New Zealand won with eight wickets in hand and 43 balls to spare on a surface in Chennai that should have aided their spinners.
この記事は Hindustan Times の October 18, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Hindustan Times の October 18, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Bracelet confessions: Are Khushi-Vedang Insta official?
After dodging questions around their rumoured romance for almost a year, actors Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina may have finally let the cat out of the bag – thanks to a bracelet.
SANJAY BANGAR'S KID ARYAN IS NOW ANAYA
The former cricketer's child Anaya has gone viral after sharing her transition story
A nice change of pace: Rithvik on surprise birthday trip to Dubai
Actor Rithvik Dhanjani turned 36 in style this month (on November 5), celebrating with friends on a lavish cruise in Dubai.
Gambhir bats for KL Rahul to open if Rohit misses first Test
For India players, young and old, the tour of Australia is a chance to show how good they really are
SANGITA'S DOUBLE HANDS INDIA WIN OVER MALAYSIA IN OPENING MATCH
Young striker Sangita Kumari scored a brace as defending champions India defeated Malaysia 4-0 to open their campaign at the women's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on a confident note on Monday.
Ruud beats Alcaraz in ATP Finals opener
Norway's Casper Ruud eased to a straight-sets victory over Carlos Alcaraz as the Spanish star's bid for a maiden ATP Finals title got off to a poor start.
Imagine how many countries have players like KL, who can actually open, can bat at No.6 as well... he can do the job for us, if Rohit is not available for the first Test
The players left in two batches and will be there well in time for the series opener, but settling down is not going to be easy.
Usha and IOA EC members in row over Natl Games
The announcement of dates for next year's National Games in Uttarakhand has sparked a fresh row between Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha and its executive committee members.
The Gambhir-Rohit chemistry faces big test in Australia series
India coach Gautam Gambhir's media conference on Monday morning before leaving for Australia was so last minute that it couldn't be arranged in the hotel the squad members were staying in.
Chakravarthy gets second wind in spin tale for India
It's rare that spinners take to South African pitches with relish.