Murad
September 4, 2007, 09:46 PM
Daily Star (http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=2677)
Australian great Ian Chappell has backed Bangladesh to make it to the last eight of the first-ever ICC Twenty20 World Championship to be held in South Africa from September 11.
"It won't surprise me if Bangladesh do make the final eight," said the former Australia captain.
"Bangladesh is far and away the best of the non-seeded sides and South Africa and West Indies both need to be on their mettle when they face Bangladesh as they are the major teams who are most likely to be unceremoniously dumped by a less-fancied side", he said.
"The Bangladesh selectors have been wise in making their 15 choices. They seem to be saying, 'if we can't win this tournament, at least let us gain something for the future.'" But he still cast doubts over the non-selection of some of the experienced players, most notably, he thought that Mohammad Rafique could have come in handy.
"The batting will be built around their young captain Mohammad Ashraful. He has the skill to be one of the stars of the tournament, if the responsibility doesn't prove to be too much of a burden," said Chappell, while adding that the format could suit Tamim's cavalier batting.
"Tamim Iqbal's audacious innings against India in the World Cup displayed talent and nerve, and he'll be hoping to build on that in a format that will suit his style," added Chappell.
Mashrafe also caught his eye as someone who can provide every thing to a team that lacks a genuine all-rounder.
"Mashrafe will anchor their bowling. He is a lively wicket-taking fast bowler and a capable late-innings hitter," said Chappell.
But the outspoken Aussie remained cautious when it came to grading Bangladesh's chances in the competition, giving them five out of ten but he remained less optimistic about West Indies and South Africa. He gave them a six.
Australian great Ian Chappell has backed Bangladesh to make it to the last eight of the first-ever ICC Twenty20 World Championship to be held in South Africa from September 11.
"It won't surprise me if Bangladesh do make the final eight," said the former Australia captain.
"Bangladesh is far and away the best of the non-seeded sides and South Africa and West Indies both need to be on their mettle when they face Bangladesh as they are the major teams who are most likely to be unceremoniously dumped by a less-fancied side", he said.
"The Bangladesh selectors have been wise in making their 15 choices. They seem to be saying, 'if we can't win this tournament, at least let us gain something for the future.'" But he still cast doubts over the non-selection of some of the experienced players, most notably, he thought that Mohammad Rafique could have come in handy.
"The batting will be built around their young captain Mohammad Ashraful. He has the skill to be one of the stars of the tournament, if the responsibility doesn't prove to be too much of a burden," said Chappell, while adding that the format could suit Tamim's cavalier batting.
"Tamim Iqbal's audacious innings against India in the World Cup displayed talent and nerve, and he'll be hoping to build on that in a format that will suit his style," added Chappell.
Mashrafe also caught his eye as someone who can provide every thing to a team that lacks a genuine all-rounder.
"Mashrafe will anchor their bowling. He is a lively wicket-taking fast bowler and a capable late-innings hitter," said Chappell.
But the outspoken Aussie remained cautious when it came to grading Bangladesh's chances in the competition, giving them five out of ten but he remained less optimistic about West Indies and South Africa. He gave them a six.