It was highly expected that Bangladesh would defeat Afghanistan in their opening match in the ICC Men’s World Cup and Tigers did the job in convincing way with a comfortable six wickets win on Saturday.
Bangladesh would win against Afghanistan, it was very much predictable, so there is nothing to be overwhelmed after defeating the minnows in the world cricket, as they have eight tough matches left to play and will begin with taking on England on Tuesday. Bangladesh team is no more an insignificant side, they have already earned a respectable place in world cricket. For last few years, Tigers have been playing very impressive games at home and away grounds in the bilateral series and different tournaments.
In their long experiences in the international arena, specially, having the Test status in November 2000 they started facing the world giants and it took times to appear as a giant killers, though after defeating Pakistan in 1999 World Cup in England (before entering into Test arena) proclaimed that they were roaring to come into sight.
Gradually Bangladesh leaving past their struggling time and earned acclaims from the elites and became no more underdogs in any tournament or series against any opponents.
So, the days have gone to solace after winning the match against the team like Afghanistan, but obviously there is no way to undermine the Afghans, as they are also a very promising sides and also beat some big sides including Bangladesh. However, Tigers’ real challenge in the World Cup will start from tomorrow with facing off England, to whom they suffered defeat (in DL Method) in the warm up match in Guwahati when their (Tigers) performances were also not so encouraging, world Cup debutant Tanzid hinted that he is capable to perform in the top level. But bowlers were not also impressive when they took six wickets for 197 runs in 24.1 overs.
So, against England it will be different ball game when Tigers batters and bowlers will get it tougher facing their English counterpart.
As the Tigers are dreaming to play in the last fours, they will have to a long when eight more matches left to play. Among the eight teams, apart from Netherlands, South Africa and New Zealand, Bangaldesh will have to face five world champions - England, Australia, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Though, South Africa and New Zealand yet to win World Cup but considering the strength they are equivalent to the world champions teams.
Specially, South Africa and Sri Lanka just tipped off what they can do when he former scored 429 and chasing to the mammoth target Sri Lanka also scored 327 runs when New Zealand won against England by nine wickets chasing 284 runs target.
Bangladesh will have to cross so many stiff hurdles to go reach their goal and winning against Afghanistan might be an impressive start but nothing to be overjoyed.