Tigers might roar in the Super Eights

By Rayed Mamun ? 27 March 2007

 

 

On Sunday it seemed the monsoon of Bangladesh had converged on Trinidad. Rain continually delayed the Tigers? fateful match against Bermuda. Despite a late scare, Bangladesh won the game convincingly to secure a place in the second round of a World Cup, for the first time.

 

Many critics will be saying that Bangladesh are only making up the numbers in the Super Eight stage. This is definitely not the case. They have played in a professional manner and deserve their place. Sneaking into fourth spot, and securing an unlikely semi final berth is not out of the question.

 

Within the past two years, Bangladesh have improved leaps and bounds. They have been playing mainly minnow opposition, but this has only helped them gain confidence, and has helped find their best team. When they have come up against stronger opposition they have played much better, and have made the opposition work hard for their victories. These factors will not change in the next few weeks.

 

Almost every team that Bangladesh will be up against, will have second thoughts about an easy victory, contrary to four years ago. They will be favourites against Ireland. They recently beat New Zealand in the warm up matches. Victory over the West Indies or England is not out of the question anymore. As for Australia, well it?s a long shot, but who could forget Sophia Gardens in 2005? South Africa may struggle against spin, and Bangladesh have three spinners in their lineup.

 

The Tigers may seem like timid cubs in the big league that is the Super Eights, but they have reason to believe that they can produce more upset victories. If they sneak into the semi final stage who knows what could happen? Is there even a chance that Bangladesh could win the World Cup? In tournaments like this, nothing can be taken for granted.