Bangladesh look to turn the tide

West Indies hope for a reprieve from injuries and hope to seal a last-eight spot in the World Cup.

DHAKA:

Bangladesh take on the West Indies in a must-win World Cup match hoping the barren pitch in Dhaka finally provides help to their spinners.

Frontline spinner Abdur Razzak said the pitch looked as if it will favour the slow bowlers.

“It did not happen in the first two matches but I think this one will help us,” said the left-armer.  With one win each from two matches, another defeat could ruin either team’s chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals.

West Indies manager Richie Richardson rubbished suggestions that his team will struggle to cope with unfamiliar conditions in Bangladesh. He felt pace could play an equally prominent role in the match.

“In this part of the world, the pitches have a reputation for favouring spinners,” he said. “But at the end of the day if you’re good enough as a fast-bowler you can do well in any condition.”

Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons said the West Indies will feel the absence of star all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, opener Adrian Barath and wicket-keeper Carlton Baugh, who were all ruled out with injuries.

“Those injuries will make this game very difficult for them,” said Siddons, adding the home team will have a distinct edge in the match.

“I’m confident our match-winners will blow them away.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2011.