Pakistan shouldn't take Bangladesh lightly

25 September, 2012

Though Pakistanis look all set to progress into the super eight stage of the tournament, but they can't take Bangladeshis for granted, as they are capable of defeating any team, particularly in this format when fates of teams are decided in a matter of just 40 overs.

SEVEN TEAMS have already qualified for the super eight category of the T20 World Cup and the last slot will be decided today as Pakistan takes on Bangladesh later today at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan is aware of the threat that the Bangladesh team brings to the title challenge. Hence, the Pakistani skipper, Mohammad Hafeez in this nnis video says, “We have to work hard and really play well against Bangladesh because they are capable of coming harder.” Though, Pakistan is the favourite to win the match, but they cannot take the Bangladeshi team lightly, especially in this format. It would be a huge setback for the Pakistan team, if they fail to qualify, as they have been one of the best T20 squads in the competition.

T20 has seen a number of matches in the past where a minnow has defeated a higher ranked team. The Bangladeshi players would be praying for it, but even a victory for Bangladesh might not help them reach the next stage of the competition. We might be asking too much from the Bangladesh players, as they need to win by a huge margin to qualify for the next round. It looks a huge task for the Bangladesh players, especially the way they lost against New Zealand. But, in cricket, anything can happen. Everything is possible until the last ball is bowled.

Bangladesh has a reputation of creating upsets. In the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, Bangladesh defeated India, which later resulted in India's exit from the first round. In the 1999 World Cup as well, Bangladesh defeated Pakistan, which was one of their first big victories at a World Cup stage. In the T20 arena also, Bangladesh has defeated teams such as West Indies, South Africa etc.