Pakistan are good but not unbeatable: Mushfiqur Rahim – Cricket News Update
Prior to Bangladesh’s all-important clash with Pakistan in their final group stage match during the ongoing ICC World Twenty20 2012, skipper Mushfiqur Rahim has maintained a positive outlook, claiming that while Pakistan are undoubtedly a skilled side, the
Tigers have a good chance of making it though to the next stage of the tournament provided they give it their all.
“It is difficult but not an impossible task,” Mushfiqur said, taking heart from England’s recent 90-run defeat at the hands of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750, which highlighted the unpredictable nature of the T20 format.
“Pakistan are good but not unbeatable. If we play our best cricket tomorrow, if everyone puts their hands up and shows guts anything is possible,” he added.
Bangladesh have had an unfortunate run in the past three editions of the World T20 tournament. The inaugural edition, played in 2007-08, marked their only win in the competition – a 6-wicket win over the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 in their first match of the tournament.
Since then, they have gone on to suffer nine consecutive losses in the past editions of the World T20.
The 2012 tournament has been no different – http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755, went on to concede a disappointing 59-run defeat at hands of the Kiwis in their first match of the competition. Since then New Zealand have qualified
for the Super Eights stage, and Pakistan (who defeated the Black Caps by 13 runs) are expected to move on by triumphing over Bangladesh on September 25 in Pallekele.
However, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mushfiqur-Rahim-c2045 has stated that his team will not be the only one going into the match under the burden of pressure, pointing out that Pakistan will be eager to avoid a repeat of their 1999 defeat at the hands of Bangladesh (the Tigers defeated
Pakistan by 62 runs in the 1999 http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 World Cup).
“There's pressure in every game. They'd think in the same way. Pakistan don't want to lose against us, that is for sure. We have to come hard and we will give our best shot,” stressed the young skipper.
Bangladesh displayed a burst of fighting spirit earlier this year during the Asia Cup they hosted in March, beating top teams India and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, before suffering a heart-breaking 2-run defeat at the hands of Pakistan in the tournament final. However, T20
is another format all together, and Bangladesh will need to pull out all the stops as they look to tackle the array of skilled batsmen and bowlers Pakistan have at their disposal.
In order to progress into the next stage of the tournament, Mushfiqur Rahim’s team will need to win by a margin of 36 runs or more, in order to make sure their net run-rate is equal to or higher than Pakistan’s. Anything below a 36-run win will send the
team back home.
“It brings a big challenge for us,” Rahim admitted. “They have great strength in their bowling and their batting is also good. It is one more opportunity, a do-or-die game for us.”
Tags: