Shakib: Time to win against the best

Bangladesh skipper Shakib-al-Hasan is confident of a strong show against India in the opening tie of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

By Rajarshi Gupta in Dhaka

Having gained some ground over the last two years, Shakib felt Bangladesh were poised for the mega-event, starting Saturday. Facing India in-front of what will be a packed Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, the world's best all-rounder wants side to enjoy the significance of the occasion.

"I don't think it can get better than this. Playing a strong side like India has its advantages. We want to prove ourselves against the best," Shakib said at a press conference in the Mirpur stadium on the eve of the match.

Shakib believes his team is ready to deliver its best against India, touted as the pre-tournament favourites.

"Our bowlers are in good form, the batsmen have been doing their job and our fielding has improved a lot," Shakib said.

However, the skipper pointed out that there was way too much hype around the India game - there is a lot of cricket to be played in the ICC CWC. Bangladesh have to counter strong challenges from South Africa, England, West Indies, Netherlands and Ireland besides India, before they assure themselves of a quarter-final berth.

"This tournament is not only about playing India. We have six league matches to play and we have to perform in all of them. If we get our basics right, we will do well."

Playing at home will also mean pressure. Fans have gone berserk; gunning for nothing less than an emphatic Bangladesh victory, but Shakib maintained his players were ready to deal with the expectations.

"The guys have played enough cricket to cope-up with the pressure. We are not looking too far ahead. We will take it one game at a time and concentrate on the job at hand." An optimistic Bangladesh skipper added.

The wicket at the Sher-e-Bangla is expected to be a treat for the batsmen once they get their eyes but Shakib kept his fingers crossed over the dew factor: "If there is no dew, conditions will be good for batting till the end."

Bangladesh will go into the tournament without key pacer, Mashrafe Mortaza, but Shakib felt that there were others to fill in his shoes.

"He (Mortaza) has been a great performer for us over the past few years but this current side has been playing well over some time now and we have a very settled combination," Shakib added.