Confident Bangladesh eye Dutch scalp

Bangladesh will seek to boost their run-rate when they tackle winless Netherlands.

CHITTAGONG:

Bangladesh, on a high after upsetting England to rescue their World Cup campaign, will seek to boost their run-rate when they tackle winless Netherlands today.

The Tigers, who after their shock victory, are currently fifth in Group B with a net run-rate of -1.24, which is even lower than sixth-placed Ireland’s -0.44. Bangladesh must beat both the Dutch and power-packed South Africa to cement a quarter-final berth. A victory over the Dutch would also see them through if England, who have five points, lose their last match to the West Indies. But if the unpredictable group continues to throw up surprises, run-rate could determine which teams make it through to the knockout phase.

“If we play the two games well, the run-rate will take care of itself,” said Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons. “The important thing is to keep winning. We are focusing on the Netherlands game. We have given ourselves every chance to be in the quarter-finals.”

Siddons paid glowing tribute to his team for the thrilling two-wicket win over England after suffering a thumping loss to the West Indies a week earlier.

“It was a tough week for everyone,” said the coach. “We had one hiccup but we have done very well after that. This team is winning like it hasn’t done in the past.”

Dutch aim to spoil Tigers’ party

The Netherlands are virtually unknown to Bangladesh, having met them just once before, a game which the Dutch won by six wickets. They will need to lift their game to beat the Tigers after losing all their games in the tournament so far.

“We’ve been inconsistent,” admitted captain Peter Borren. “It’s never easy because we don’t get to play at this level very often. But we still want to get a win on the board. Bangladesh are right in the mix and definitely it will be our intention to ruin the party for them.”

Bangladesh will be wary of all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate, who smashed 119 off 110 balls against England and batsman Tom Cooper, as well as, left-arm spinner Pieter Seelaar, who picked up three wickets each against the West Indies and India.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2011.