"It won't surprise me if Bangladesh do make the final eight"- Chappel

Murad · #1 September 4, 2007, 09:46 PM

Quote:

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.

Murad · #2 September 4, 2007, 10:15 PM

ooopppsss.. this topic is discussed in many threads today.. i didn't read them bofore opening the thread.. i think mods can delete the thread. thanks

zainab · #3 September 5, 2007, 01:23 AM

I am still very doubtful about Bangladesh's chances in this tournament, not after their recent performances, when they could not perform very well. Ash has lost his head I think, with his successive runouts, this shows his recklessness.Captaincy is very poor, he needs to rethink where he is at the moment.

Sohel · #4 September 5, 2007, 04:59 AM

Ian Chappell has always been my favorite cricket guru ... WTG Ian, u da man !!!

Hatebreed · #5 September 5, 2007, 06:01 AM

What is Ian Chappell up to these days? He wouldn't be interested in coaching our tigers would he?

Aritro · #6 September 5, 2007, 06:12 AM

Still commentating for Channel 9 with startling Australian bias.

Sohel · #7 September 5, 2007, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatebreed
What is Ian Chappell up to these days? He wouldn't be interested in coaching our tigers would he?

I wish bro. He's a commentator for ESPN Star Sports now, still as sharp, savvy and Zero-BS as ever, an absolute joy to read and listen to.

Rabz · #8 September 5, 2007, 09:16 AM

Two of these Chappell brothers are great.
But oh mate, hate the third one.
What the name of that idiot,
oh..yes.. Trevor.