Giant-killers Bangladesh aim to hunt down Pakistan
In nine previous Asia Cup editions, Bangladesh had played 29 matches
and won two, against Hong Kong and UAE. Out of three games this time,
they have won two, against World Cup 2011 finalists India and Sri Lanka,
and lost a close match to Pakistan.
For Bangladesh's tireless supporters, starved of success but never
lacking in passion, this is like finding a fertile delta in a desert. A
sea of the darker shade of green will be cheering every run that
Bangladesh score tomorrow and every Pakistan wicket that falls. Victory
won't be demanded, though; an appearance in the final is already a
windfall for the fan.
How will the Bangladesh players approach this game, probably the
biggest in their cricketing careers so far? Apart from blanking New
Zealand some time ago at home, this is the first time they have put
together consistently solid performances for three games running against
world-class opposition. Will the fourth time prove to be too much? Will
the pressure of a final, something they have hardly experienced,
restrict the freedom with which they bat? Will their bowling and
fielding be able to hold together?
Whatever be the result today, Bangladesh's surge to the final holds
the promise of another close match. They will fight; if they go down,
they will still be heroes. If they win, they'll become part of folklore
in the years to come. Either way, a bit of history has already been
created. CRICINFO
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