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Untitled Document
 We can mix it up with the best: Bashar
26th Mar 2007 12:27 IST
Agencies
Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar believes his side is no more a novice and can match strength for strength against the best after advancing to the Super Eight of the World Cup.
"We played good cricket to qualify and can play even better in the second round," Bashar said after his team's seven-wicket victory against Bermuda in the final group tie at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad on Sunday.
The 34-year old skipper praised his teammates for the "professional" performance they turned in to beat Bermuda in a match that was frequently interrupted by rain and was reduced to 21 overs a side.
"The boys showed great professionalism. With so many breaks, it was not an easy match," he said.
Bangladesh have never reached thus far in their previous two appearance in the World Cup, in 1999 and 2003.
Their win also put India out of the tournament. Sri Lanka was the other team to qualify from Group 'B'.
Bashar added that his team can come up with even better show in the Super Eight stage.
Bangladesh, for the first time, reached the second stage of the World Cup and Bashar said he was enjoying every moment of the glory.
"This is a memorable moment for Bangladesh. Cricket is a huge game back home and we are delighted to have achieved this milestone.
"It did not come as a surprise to us to be in the Super Eight. We've worked hard for this and played as a team", he said.
Coach Dav Whatmore said Bangladesh always had the potentials but they needed some luck too.
"This is a very significant achievement by this young side. But we have a long way to go", he said.
"We would be playing six or seven best teams in the world", he added.
Meanwhile, Bermuda captain Irvine Romaine cursed the inclement weather.
"The weather really did us in. We were constantly going out and coming in. But we also messed it up," he said.
The minnows lost all their three matches but Romaine said his team did well in the tournament.
"We have done Bermuda proud. If we get to play more games, we could become a better side."
Man of the match Mohammad Ashraful with an unbeaten 29 said he adhered to the basics when he walked in with Bangladesh at 37/3.
"It was difficult condition to bat but I said to myself that if I stayed at the wicket and get some 30 runs, we would win," he said. |
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