Smith rules out another Bangladesh shock today

DHAKA:

South Africa captain Graeme Smith does not expect another shock World Cup loss at Bangladesh’s hands when the two sides meet in their last group match today.

The Proteas’ lone defeat in 13 One-Day Internationals against Bangladesh came during the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.

“We are more street-smart now when we play teams from the subcontinent,” said Smith ahead of the day game which Bangladesh need to win to make the quarter-finals.

“We have a better understanding of how to go about it. They are a team that likes to play on the front foot. We will plan well for them.”

Smith said revenge was not on his mind after the World Cup loss four years ago.

“There are no added emotions, no talk of revenge,” he said.

Bangladesh ready, says Shakib

Bangladesh will not be easily pushed aside when they take on powerful South Africa, said captain Shakibal Hasan.

“We go into the match after two consecutive wins against England and the Netherlands, so the confidence and morale of the team is high,” said Shakib.

“If we stick to our plans and execute them well, I think we have a very good chance to beat South Africa.

“They are obviously a very strong team, but we won’t be found wanting.”

If Bangladesh lose to South Africa, their poor net run-rate (currently -0.765) will almost certainly lead to their exit, unless India defeat the West Indies by a huge margin in Chennai tomorrow.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 19^th, 2011.