Bangladesh will be aiming to make an upset when they take on the pre-tournament favourites India in their opening match of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore today. Though their top-order batting suffered a blow due to the shoulder injury of their key batter Fargana Hoque during their opening practice match against Sri Lanka still they are desperate to leave their mark.
Bangladesh are aware that it won’t be easy as their opponents seem to be perfectly poised to hunt down their maiden ICC World Twenty20 title after their success over the Australians away from home in a bilateral series and following that with a win over Sri Lanka.
Skipper Jahanara Alam feels it won’t be counted largely in the global stage as the atmosphere will be totally opposite in Bangalore that is ready to share their glory of hosting the World Cup.
‘The occasions are completely different,’ Jahanara told reporters in Bangalore.
‘We believe nothing is impossible.
‘Definitely they are one of the toughest sides in the World Cup but we can still feel we will have our chances against them,’ she said.
With passing days Bangladesh women’s team also looked to have settled down in the capital of Indian state of Karnataka as they have arrived here last week and also had the experience of two practice matches under their belts.
They started with a loss in the opening practice game against Sri Lanka but found them to be at the other end by defeating the Ireland team by eight wickets to have a morale boost-up ahead of the big game.
‘A win is always motivating,’ said Jahanara.
‘It reflects that you are on the right path and we believe we are on track despite we were unable to play a lot of matches before the start of tournament.’
The seven wicket haul by Rumana Ahmed in the two practice game inspired the skipper while she is expecting Salma Khatun to strike in the event knowing that she is a player for big occasions.
‘Salma was the number one ranked player in 2014 and hopefully she starts to deliver,’ said Jahanara.
‘She is a player of big occasion.
‘In the last few tournaments she could not contribute but we know her talent and it’s a matter of time when she gains back her form.’
The success in the event will be a stepping stone for the Bangladesh women’s team as they are looking to find a strong foothold in the landscape of women’s cricket by appearing in the ICC World Twenty20 for the second time.
It did not come without their efforts as they had to qualify along with Ireland for the 10-team event while their first appearance came on the virtue of being the hosts of the event in 2014.
A good show in the tournament can be regarded as turning point in their career and anything special against India will always have the implications as it will be followed by huge amount of spectators across the world.
-With New Age input
