Bangladesh relieved at not losing to Afghanistan

The Test-playing nation was defeated by 32 runs in their last meeting.

CANBERRA: If Bangladesh’s celebrations after their comprehensive win over World Cup debutants Afghanistan in Canberra looked slightly over the top, it was not without reason. Mashrafe Mortaza’s men embarked on a victory lap at the Manuka Oval after crushing Afghanistan by 105 runs on Wednesday, suggesting the 32-run defeat in their only previous meeting last year in the Asia Cup still rankled.

The upset on home soil at Fatullah was one of the reasons Mushfiqur Rahim lost the ODI captaincy but the wicketkeeper-batsman redeemed himself with a man-of-the-match performance at the World Cup.

“I think it was not easy, but it’s a comprehensive win,” said Mushfiqur.

Now that the pressure is off their shoulders, Mushfiqur said they target to do well against strong teams in the group, starting with title contenders Australia in Saturday’s match in Brisbane. “We are looking forward to the challenge against Australia and Sri Lanka and England.”

The 26-year-old admitted that it will not be easy but feels they are still capable of pulling off upsets. “It’s not going to be easy, but it’s not impossible,” he said. “Going into that match, everyone will think that Australia are going to win easily. Hopefully we can prove something” 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 19^th,  2015.

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