ICC World Cup 2011: Preview India vs. Bangladesh
Today, the International Cricket Council World Cup 2011 will kick-off into action with a match that is perfect for the grand occasion. The two teams that face off in the tournament opener are also the two hosts for the mega event; Bangladesh and India. The stage will be set in Mirpur for Bangladesh to come out and set it ablaze. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bengal-c771.
The Tigers vs. the Hunting Party
The Bengali Tigers will come out roaring with a deafening crowd behind them, cheering every move they make. India will not have the same backing but they will know that the only way to silence them will be to go for the kill. The Indians were knocked out off competition four years ago but this time they will come with the resolve to stand their ground and seek revenge. The Tigers on the other hand will be busy pursuing a plan to make the hunter become the hunted. What will transpire will be a very interesting fight to say the least.
The Spotlight
On paper it is a match between two complete teams but in reality it will be a battle of wits between the Indian batsmen and Bangladesh bowlers. It is difficult to describe the Indian batting line-up as no words seem to do justice to the talented pool of players that India houses. The batting card is most outstanding ensemble of players that the cricketing world has seen in a long time. It is hard for any bowling attack not to be intimidated by them, but the Bangladesh bowlers have proved themselves to be worthy competitors and playing at home, the conditions would suit them immensely. The pack of bowlers led by the captain himself can be a real threat for the Indian batting.
Key Players
India has a number of players who will be expected to play a pivotal role. Among the batsmen Sachin Tendulkar, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mahendra-Singh-Dhoni-c73820 and Yusuf Pathan will be the danger men. They are the sort of players that no one can keep out of the game. Their contribution is often the one that decides the fate of the match. They all are in sublime form and very capable of producing match winning knocks. Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan can really cause serious problems and damage to the Bangladesh batsmen.
The Bangladesh team will rely greatly on their spin bowling duo of Shakib Al Hasan and Abdur Razzak. The fast bowler Shafiul Islam will also have a huge part to play if Bangladesh goes on to win this game. All these three bowlers were among the top five wicket takers in One Day Internationals last year so their confidence will receive a further boost when bowling on spin friendly home conditions. In the batting department much will depend on Tamim Iqbal to give Bangladesh an ideal platform for the other batsmen to build upon.
Important News
The Indian captain has once again stressed on the importance of the preparation and process going in today’s clash while playing down the massive pressure concerns that will surround them as the tournament favourites. Dhoni has hinted at the possibility of playing Kohli in place of Raina. Zaheer Khan who was rested for the warm-up matches will come into the team and spearhead their bowling attack.
In the Bangladesh camp, it appears that Raqibul Hasan will make the final cut in place of the former skipper, Mohammad Ashraful. Their main pacer and strike bowler Shafiul Islam had an injury scare in the match against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 but he will be back for today’s match to lead the bolwing attack. The Bangladesh captain, Shakib Al Hasan, has stated that they understand the task at hand, and he knows that India is the team to beat in order to prove their prowess.
Teams (probable)
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Rubel-Hossain-c2378.
India: http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ashish-Nehra-c46293, Munaf Patel.
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