Mar 04: Bangladesh vs Australia, Fatullah

BD 257/9, 50 ov (Naeem 66, Nafees 59, Aftab 57, Beadle 26/2)
AU 249/10, 49.3 ov (O'Keefe 65, Beadle 54, Skewes 32, Enamul 31/5)

Beating Australia in any level of cricket is a mighty achievement as the men from down under have set the benchmark for excellence in the game. So when hosts Bangladesh pulled off a sensational eight-run win over the soon to be officially dethroned world U-19 champions at bouncy Fatullah yesterday, it ought to have been a huge cause for celebration. Well, not quite.

True there was the huddle-dance in the middle, numerous hugs and congratulatory exchanges and a semi lap of honour but Richard McInnes' charges largely kept it within perspective. After all Plate championship was only the consolation part of the main competition and that mood was evident in the junior Tigers' members too when reporters inquired about their plans for the night.

"We have an official reception tonight. After that I guess I'll just go home to my wife and kid," said McInnes after the match.

Skipper Ashiqur Rahman too was not getting overly excited. "We didn't qualify for the Cup and that still plays on my mind."

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After yesterday's results, I have no doubt in my mind that Bangladesh's youth team belong in the Super League stage of the World Cup U-19 tournament. In cricket, they say the weak can beat the strong on any given day. But in Bangladesh's case, I think this time they really have a strong team, not one of imposters as on past occasions.

After yesterday's upsets by Nepal over South Africa, Zimbabwe over Australia, and the relative competitiveness of New Zealand against India, one has to think that Bangladesh could truly take on any of these teams. In fact, had it not been for the late order collapse against New Zealand, Bangladesh would have been through to the second stage by now, along with India.

Can Bangladesh beat India on Friday? Yes. If they play according to their abilities and not let the Indians intimidate them, Bangladesh can take the game to their opponents. An in-form Nafis Iqbal (a rare state of being for any Bangladeshi bastman at any level, so touch wood) should strike some level of fear in the hearts of India's rather pedestrian bowling attack. Not all of our batsmen have clicked in this tournament, but one gets the feeling that when they do, it will be a sight to behold. Bangladesh's fielding and fitness have to be on par with India, if not better. And while Bangldesh's spinners may not have as much success as they did against NZ and Scotland, our bowling as a whole is more potent.

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