Team UAE holds narrow lead against Team Qatar in thrilling Men’s Championship showdown at Ajman’s Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club
sports1 day ago
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan said the Tigers "still harbour the dream" of a World Cup semifinal as they prepare to face in-form South Africa.
Bangladesh have lost three of their four World Cup games, including a seven-wicket defeat by India last time out, with the top four at the end of all-play-all phase involving the 10 competing teams going through to the knockout stages.
By contrast, South Africa go into Tuesday's match following a 229-run thrashing of England that got their campaign back on track after a shock loss to the Netherlands.
Bangladesh, however, defeated the Proteas 2-1 in a one-day international series in South Africa last year
But Shakib, aiming to be fit to face South Africa after missing the India match with a thigh injury, told a pre-match press conference on Monday: "We have to take it one game at a time.
"It doesn't matter if you win or lose your last game in a World Cup. What matters is who is performing better on the day."
He added: "We saw South Africa flying high. We saw them lose to the Netherlands. They played brilliantly against England. We will try to play our best cricket and see where we are.
"We still harbour the dream (of a semifinal). Other teams are helping us also, so if we can help ourselves, it can happen. We still have the chance on paper."
South Africa will return to the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai just days after piling up a mammoth 399-7 against England.
"It is a high-scoring ground," said Shakib.
"Still, we are planning to restrict them for a lower total. We are taking inspiration from how the Netherlands restricted them. We have been looking at their weaknesses."
As for his own fitness, the 36-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder, said: "If there's no problem with running, I can play tomorrow (Tuesday). I wasn't a hundred percent before the India game.
"It was also important that I don't risk the rest of the World Cup. I am in good shape now. I am pain free."
This is Shakib's fifth 50-over World Cup, with the Bangladesh star insisting his enthusiasm for the challenge was as strong as ever.
"I think it is very exciting to play my fifth World Cup. I have the same interest, ambition and fight in me to perform for Bangladesh...Hopefully I can finish this World Cup on a good note."
ALSO READ:
Team UAE holds narrow lead against Team Qatar in thrilling Men’s Championship showdown at Ajman’s Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club
sports1 day ago
The right-handed batter smashed 52 runs in 18 balls, helping his side to a memorable nine-wicket win over Ajman Bolts
sports1 day ago
The Dubai-born talent says he’s excited for the next rounds at Landings Golf & Athletic Club, Deer Creek, Georgia and is loving the challenge of competitive golf
sports2 days ago
A new Champion will be crowned at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club on Thursday
sports2 days ago
At the Jumeirah Golf Estates, Bertoche transformed the DP World Tour Championship's atmosphere into art
sports2 days ago
Host UAE’s Rayan Ahmed and Ahmad Skaik shine in second place as Adam Bresnusets the pace at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman
sports2 days ago
The Emirati golf icon recalls the emotional moment that brought back memories of a lifelong friendship with the Spanish great
sports3 days ago
Missed opportunities: 'The course was there for the taking If only my putting had been better,” admits the Dubai-born golfer
sports3 days ago