Athar Ali Khan predicts Bangladesh as one of the semi-finalists in ICC World Cup 2023

[Ml12345]

Nagin dancers will be packing their bags soon

 

[SportsWarrior]

2nd to Afghanistan as worst team in the tournament

and looking at the opportunities they have got over the last two decades BD is undoubtedly the worst team ever.

 

[SportsWarrior]

Nagin dancers will be packing their bags soon

I don't think they even unpacked them . Nagin dance by BD has to be THE cringest thing done on a cricketing field.

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

Hold on. Still 6 matches left for Bangladesh. They definately have a chance to upset likes of India and Pakistan.

 

[MMHS]

nope. he and BD fans will pretend like they never made that prediction .. they can still reach Semis, but that would be the greatest turn around in the world cricket

You are wrong again - that happens when some one is trolling.

Read your post carefully - it’s Athar made the comment - no, not BD fans.

There are many predictions before every tournament, doesn’t mean everyone will be correct. Imad Wasim predicted IND-PAK final…. So what?

Show one BD fan here predicting BD to make SF here in PP, then come to troll.

 

[MMHS]

I don't think they even unpacked them . Nagin dance by BD has to be THE cringest thing done on a cricketing field.

Nagin dance indeed the cringiest thing in cricket field - but from where it started, first get to know that.

 

[MMHS]

Hold on. Still 6 matches left for Bangladesh. They definately have a chance to upset likes of India and Pakistan.

Yaar, why are teasing us - giving chances to idiots sitting on fence to sling some mud. To be honest, my WC was over on our first game - because had AFGs won that game, it would have been unbearable to stay here for BD posters.

Actually, that game had a consequence - trolls that were still for their time, had an off day, hence we are having a rough day. Otherwise, kiwis chased 280+ for one down in 36 overs….. where is BD to make them sweat!!!!

 

[SportsWarrior]

Hold on. Still 6 matches left for Bangladesh. They definately have a chance to upset likes of India and Pakistan.

they can beat India and Pakistan. it will be an upset but surely, they can. So can SL. But neither team have the fire power to win 5 to 6 matches that are needed to quality for Semis.

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

Yaar, why are teasing us - giving chances to idiots sitting on fence to sling some mud. To be honest, my WC was over on our first game - because had AFGs won that game, it would have been unbearable to stay here for BD posters.

Actually, that game had a consequence - trolls that were still for their time, had an off day, hence we are having a rough day. Otherwise, kiwis chased 280+ for one down in 36 overs….. where is BD to make them sweat!!!!

Actually i was backing Bangladesh before the world cup. I thought they have a good chance of reaching semis. But, after defeats against two quality sides, i think they will finish probably 5th or 6th. I genuinely supported them.. Kindly read my above views.

 

[SportsWarrior]

Nagin dance indeed the cringiest thing in cricket field - but from where it started, first get to know that.

doesn't matter where it started. it still will define BD cricket for decades to come

 

[MMHS]

doesn't matter where it started. it still will define BD cricket for decades to come

Normal people will give a thought …. Why they are doing it and why only against one team? And, why they stopped.

 

[SportsWarrior]

Actually i was backing Bangladesh before the world cup. I thought they have a good chance of reaching semis. But, after defeats against two quality sides, i think they will finish probably 5th or 6th. I genuinely supported them.. Kindly read my above views.

they can finish max 6th if Australia continue to falter. Otherwise, most likely BD will be 7th or 8th based on how BD and SL matches go. I don't think BD has ever beaten SL and their match is in Delhi. If it turns out to be another high scoring match i would back SL against BD as they have better batting fire power.

 

[SportsWarrior]

Only by idiots - normal people will give a thought …. Why they are doing it and why only against one team? And, why they stopped.

no point to refute, so let's abuse others. And once you lose the argument lets pull out the bigot and racist jabs .. ask anyone who watched it. No one will either care about the past, what triggered it or what happened to it. They will remember how silly and cringy BD team looked. Again, you find out the history and write a novel, no one will read it and stop feeling cringy every time nagin dance is bought up.

 

[MMHS]

Actually i was backing Bangladesh before the world cup. I thought they have a good chance of reaching semis. But, after defeats against two quality sides, i think they will finish probably 5th or 6th. I genuinely supported them.. Kindly read my above views.

I doubt

they can finish max 6th if Australia continue to falter. Otherwise, most likely BD will be 7th or 8th based on how BD and SL matches go. I don't think BD has ever beaten SL and their match is in Delhi. If it turns out to be another high scoring match i would back SL against BD as they have better batting fire power.

factually your are little incorrect - should have mentioned “in WC”. That happens when some one comes to troll.

 

[SportsWarrior]

they can finish max 6th if Australia continue to falter. Otherwise, most likely BD will be 7th or 8th based on how BD and SL matches go. I don't think BD has ever beaten SL and their match is in Delhi. If it turns out to be another high scoring match i would back SL against BD as they have better batting fire power.

I meant, i don't think BD has ever beaten SL in a World Cup match

 

[SportsWarrior]

I doubt

factually your are little incorrect - should have mentioned “in WC”. That happens when some one comes to troll.

you should have realized contextually as we are talking about semifinalists in WC that's what happens when emotions run high while finding ways to defend nagin dances ..

 

[MMHS]

no point to refute, so let's abuse others. And once you lose the argument lets pull out the bigot and racist jabs .. ask anyone who watched it. No one will either care about the past, what triggered it or what happened to it. They will remember how silly and cringy BD team looked. Again, you find out the history and write a novel, no one will read it and stop feeling cringy every time nagin dance is bought up.

You’ll for sure, but no one else - are you confident?

Look bro, I come here to enjoy cricket and blogging, spending some of my very precious time of immigrant life. And, I overlook lot as friendly banter of leg pulling - at least BD cricket has come to a level where someone will pull leg for a bad game.

But, there is a fine line between leg pulling & posting to hurt fans.

 

[MMHS]

you should have realized contextually as we are talking about semifinalists in WC that's what happens when emotions run high while finding ways to defend nagin dances ..

Wish if you correct yourself before I had to remind. Never mind.

 

[Mockingbird]

Nothing.. absolutely nothing unites Indians, Pakistanis and Sri Lankans more than trolling the Bangladeshis.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has been sent for a scan after struggling with a possible left quad injury against New Zealand.

The allrounder received on-field treatment in the 29th over of his side's innings in Chennai.

He was able to continue batting, dispatching three boundaries in the next five deliveries he faced before being caught behind off the bowling of Lockie Ferguson for 40 the following over, and also bowled 10 overs in New Zealand's chase, taking 1 for 54, before leaving the field.

 

[SportsWarrior]

Nothing.. absolutely nothing unites Indians, Pakistanis and Sri Lankans more than trolling the Bangladeshis.

Because BD fans are the most toxic ones. I still remember the taskin holding Dhoni's beheaded head photos and many of BD fans defending that. Not on this forum as I was not here but elsewhere. This generation of players and their fans deserve all the trolling they get. Hopefully more sane and humbfans will emerge who won't need to write novels to defend their heroes

 

[SportsWarrior]

Wish if you correct yourself before I had to remind. Never mind.

That is what happens when your ability to understand context is worse than cheap AI. Read the title of the topic. We are talking about WCs. We don't have to preface every sentence with that info

 

[nish_mate]

Because BD fans are the most toxic ones. I still remember the taskin holding Dhoni's beheaded head photos and many of BD fans defending that. Not on this forum as I was not here but elsewhere. This generation of players and their fans deserve all the trolling they get. Hopefully more sane and humbfans will emerge who won't need to write novels to defend their heroes

Head over to Bangla cricket forum and the language puts Indian cricket forums to shame. Full of themselves, which would have accepted if they had something to boast about. Whilst there are some sane BD fans with whom a discussion can be held, most are trolls who deserve to be trolled.

Every defeat is a conspiracy against BD cricket team, either pitches or umpires or BCCI.

 

[mrtaim3]

The day Bangladeshi management and fans stop living in their fantasies and start looking at the reality is when Bangladesh cricket team would really improve.

I see a lot of Facebook pages made by fans, making their cricketers as somewhat legends of cricket. Even the commentators seem to be going through the same dilemma.

 

[sweep_shot]

I don't think BD has ever beaten SL and their match is in Delhi.

BD's first ODI win against SL was in 2006.

After that, BD beat SL a few times. BD won the last bilateral ODI series against SL 2-1.

But, yeah. They have never beaten SL in a World Cup game.

 

[Cover Drive Six]

Bangladesh has more passionate and hardcore cricket lovers than India and Pakistan. They really need to elevate their performance beyond the minnow level.

 

[deltexas]

I don't think they even unpacked them . Nagin dance by BD has to be THE cringest thing done on a cricketing field.

LOL ! Never unpacked them ! But honestly , I like the Nagin dance - it adds to the character and rivalry.. Am tired of the mundane goody goody buddy buddy Ind-Aus, Ind-Pak, Ind-Afg, Pak-SL contests. Need some spice like Bang-Sl, Bang-Pak or Pak-Afg. Otherwise there's no fun. And the Nagin thing is very unique to Bang!

 

[deltexas]

Bangladesh has more passionate and hardcore cricket lovers than India and Pakistan. They really need to elevate their performance beyond the minnow level.

This is so true for sure ! Plus they have a decent domestic structure and a big player pool and population. No excuse really if teams like Neth, Zim or Scotland can perform decently - Bang should be way above them and competing with the top 5..

 

[MenInG]

Shakib Al Hasan went for a scan following Bangladesh’s defeat to New Zealand in Chennai, and his availability remains in doubt after the squad’s practice session in Pune, during which the all-rounder did not bowl.

“He had a good batting session yesterday and did a little bit of running between the wickets,” Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe said on Wednesday.

“We did a scan today, so we are waiting for the results. At the moment he is OK. We haven't tried with bowling yet. So, he will come tomorrow morning and we will assess him again and then make a decision.

“If he is not ready to play, we won't risk him. But if he's ready, then there's a chance of him playing tomorrow.”

Hathurusingha refused to rule out that Shakib could even play solely as a batter against the tournament hosts.

“With any injury situation, first, it's the medical staff. They give us their opinion, and either they say green light or red light. They give us education on where the players are at," he added.

“Then it comes to the captain and the coach to think is that a risk in terms of playing, in terms of tactically, whether if it is not 100 percent or you can do one discipline or both disciplines. That's how the process works.”

That view tallies with comments made by team director Khaled Mahmud earlier in the week.

“It is the doctor and physio's call. We don't want to trouble him in the long term. If he gets clearance from the physio, he will play," he said.

Shakib has been excellent with the ball against India in recent times, taking 10 wickets in the past four meetings at an average of just 18.

But the tournament hosts aren’t focusing too much on Shakib, despite acknowledging that he’s an excellent player.

“For us really it doesn't really matter. I think for us it’s what we do in terms of our preparation, our execution and that we have a game plan,” India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey said.

“We know he is a good player. He has done well for Bangladesh, he is a champion player, he is handy, he bats for the team, he bowls well, he bowls in the Powerplay, he's a quality bowler and I think you got to give that to him.”

A win for India would leave them with four straight victories to start the tournament and with one foot already in the semi-finals due to results elsewhere.

For Bangladesh, victory would be a huge boost to their slim qualification chances, and they will take solace from a recent head-to-head record that has seen them win three of the past four meetings with India, including the most recent match at the Asia Cup back in September.

ICC

 

[gazza619]

Shakib Al Hasan went for a scan following Bangladesh’s defeat to New Zealand in Chennai, and his availability remains in doubt after the squad’s practice session in Pune, during which the all-rounder did not bowl.

“He had a good batting session yesterday and did a little bit of running between the wickets,” Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe said on Wednesday.

“We did a scan today, so we are waiting for the results. At the moment he is OK. We haven't tried with bowling yet. So, he will come tomorrow morning and we will assess him again and then make a decision.

“If he is not ready to play, we won't risk him. But if he's ready, then there's a chance of him playing tomorrow.”

Hathurusingha refused to rule out that Shakib could even play solely as a batter against the tournament hosts.

“With any injury situation, first, it's the medical staff. They give us their opinion, and either they say green light or red light. They give us education on where the players are at," he added.

“Then it comes to the captain and the coach to think is that a risk in terms of playing, in terms of tactically, whether if it is not 100 percent or you can do one discipline or both disciplines. That's how the process works.”

That view tallies with comments made by team director Khaled Mahmud earlier in the week.

“It is the doctor and physio's call. We don't want to trouble him in the long term. If he gets clearance from the physio, he will play," he said.

Shakib has been excellent with the ball against India in recent times, taking 10 wickets in the past four meetings at an average of just 18.

But the tournament hosts aren’t focusing too much on Shakib, despite acknowledging that he’s an excellent player.

“For us really it doesn't really matter. I think for us it’s what we do in terms of our preparation, our execution and that we have a game plan,” India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey said.

“We know he is a good player. He has done well for Bangladesh, he is a champion player, he is handy, he bats for the team, he bowls well, he bowls in the Powerplay, he's a quality bowler and I think you got to give that to him.”

A win for India would leave them with four straight victories to start the tournament and with one foot already in the semi-finals due to results elsewhere.

For Bangladesh, victory would be a huge boost to their slim qualification chances, and they will take solace from a recent head-to-head record that has seen them win three of the past four meetings with India, including the most recent match at the Asia Cup back in September.

ICC

Geez he dont think to be fully fit to bowl his lollypop spinners. If i had his bowling action i would have bowled with one arm and one leg

 

[SportsWarrior]

Tomorrow is the last chance for BD to make any impact. If they want to qualify for Semis, they need to beat India. If they lose tomorrow, the dream is more or less over for them. if they dont win today, the only matches they probably will win are against NED/SL. Their match against SL is in Delhi and if it stays batting paradise, then it may be difficult for them. BD vs SA in Mumbai 75/25 for SA, Vs Pak in Kolkata is 60/40 for Pak, Vs Aus in Pune is 90/10 for Aus. BD needs to upset at least one or two title contenders, hopefully they will start with India tomorrow. India needs some reality check before semis.

 

[SportsWarrior]

Shakib Al Hasan went for a scan following Bangladesh’s defeat to New Zealand in Chennai, and his availability remains in doubt after the squad’s practice session in Pune, during which the all-rounder did not bowl.

“He had a good batting session yesterday and did a little bit of running between the wickets,” Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe said on Wednesday.

“We did a scan today, so we are waiting for the results. At the moment he is OK. We haven't tried with bowling yet. So, he will come tomorrow morning and we will assess him again and then make a decision.

“If he is not ready to play, we won't risk him. But if he's ready, then there's a chance of him playing tomorrow.”

Hathurusingha refused to rule out that Shakib could even play solely as a batter against the tournament hosts.

“With any injury situation, first, it's the medical staff. They give us their opinion, and either they say green light or red light. They give us education on where the players are at," he added.

“Then it comes to the captain and the coach to think is that a risk in terms of playing, in terms of tactically, whether if it is not 100 percent or you can do one discipline or both disciplines. That's how the process works.”

That view tallies with comments made by team director Khaled Mahmud earlier in the week.

“It is the doctor and physio's call. We don't want to trouble him in the long term. If he gets clearance from the physio, he will play," he said.

Shakib has been excellent with the ball against India in recent times, taking 10 wickets in the past four meetings at an average of just 18.

But the tournament hosts aren’t focusing too much on Shakib, despite acknowledging that he’s an excellent player.

“For us really it doesn't really matter. I think for us it’s what we do in terms of our preparation, our execution and that we have a game plan,” India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey said.

“We know he is a good player. He has done well for Bangladesh, he is a champion player, he is handy, he bats for the team, he bowls well, he bowls in the Powerplay, he's a quality bowler and I think you got to give that to him.”

A win for India would leave them with four straight victories to start the tournament and with one foot already in the semi-finals due to results elsewhere.

For Bangladesh, victory would be a huge boost to their slim qualification chances, and they will take solace from a recent head-to-head record that has seen them win three of the past four meetings with India, including the most recent match at the Asia Cup back in September.

ICC

if he is ready why there is "only a chance" of him playing? does BD want to experiment by keeping their captain and best player out against one of the top teams? LOL, play him if he is ready

 

[RyanRyan10]

Bangladesh will trouble India. They always lift their game against India.

 

[SportsWarrior]

Bangladesh will trouble India. They always lift their game against India.

Bangladesh chokes against India in important matches. They certainly have high passion but only consequential match they have won was in 2007 WC

 

[Nikhil_cric]

They are looking out of sorts because of injuries and lack of form . Ebadot injury, Taskin down on pace and rhythm , no wrist spinner, playing 2 offspinners instead of playing an extra batter. Litton not scoring runs, inconsistent Rahim , Shakib struggling for fitness.

It looks like a nightmare unfolding. This team looks like it is headed for an absolute thrashing in this World Cup.

 

[hassan918]

Bangladesh will trouble India. They always lift their game against India.

It was always very unlikely that we see Bangladesh troubling India and this is how it proved. It was an easy win for India. Bangladesh for me would finish in 9th of 10th position on the table.

 

[WengerOut]

@MMHS Honestly being curious, but how did the Nagin Dance jibe originate?

 

[SportsWarrior]

Now BD should target to be on the top of bottom four. Beating, SL and Ned will give them a good chance to do that. If Ned/AFG topple one more top team, even that might be difficult

 

[Saj]

Don't count them out just yet.

I maintain they are capable of causing upsets in this tournament especially if Shakib is fit soon.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

They handled Tamim-Shakib row poorly. They had a pretty settled side when Tamim was captaining.

 

[SportsWarrior]

Don't count them out just yet.

I maintain they are capable of causing upsets in this tournament especially if Shakib is fit soon.

They can probably cause an upset win. Thats all they are capable of. One of top six teams they can beat. They have already lost against India, Eng and NZ. Only Aus, Pak and SA are pending. Most likely against SA. I don't see either Pak or Aus losing to BD.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Just like under-19 world cup they should have 3rd, 4th ,5th 6th spot competition

 

[160KPH]

The middle order is just so weak, especially without Shakib. If you look at the strike rate for their middle order batsmen it’s all in the 70’s.

 

[latecut]

A team progresses in cricket only when they have the advantage of sage senior players who can guide the future generations and whom the present generation and future generation of cricketers consider their idols, role models and source of inspiration. Athar Ali Khan and his other colleagues cannot be described as sage by any stretch of imagination. No doubt Bangladesh is so bereft of role models to emulate and their progress is so slow. Athar Ali Khan is not even aware what it takes for a team to progress. He is just a loudmouth who utters whatever comes to his mouth.

 

[FearlessRoar]

I want this level of confidence in our team. Then maybe we will qualify for semi finals

 

[Blackbradman]

 

[FearlessRoar]

Athar Ali Khan's hopes are alive

 

[Raja Ishtiaq]

What is happening out there Mr Athar Ali Khan?

 

[sweep_shot]

Athar should keep his mouth shut in future. LOL.

Facepalm moment.

 

[BaaliSoda]

View attachment 138263

LMAO. This pic is priceless (meme worthy for ages)

 

[Saj]

Bangladesh fans streaming out of the stadium in Kolkata.

Not best pleased with their team's effort so far against Netherlands.

 

[hassan918]

He should understand that teams who've started playing cricket way after Bangladesh are making fast improvements and yet he made a statement like this. I think they were lucky to win against Afghanistan because at the moment Afghanistan is a better team than them.

 

[Saj]

Today's post match press conference by Shakib Al Hasan. Seems he got a right old grilling:

[Reporter:]

More than the Dutch winning today, you people have lost the match giving -

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

Yes, I agree with you 100%. I can't deny that. I thought we were sloppy in the field, we bowled brilliantly. Throughout this tournament we have not been batting the way we know we can bat. That's been a big concern. And today was another day where we totally, I thought, gave Dutch the two points. It's hard to swallow. It is very difficult to digest, but these things can happen in cricket. Should give a lot of credit the way Dutch I think they bowled. They were very disciplined and we played some poor shots.

[Reporter:]

Your cricketer just surrendered the game. Why? What's the reason behind it?

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

I don't know. I don't know what's going on. As a batting unit, I thought if you asked me to summarize our six match, especially with the bat, we were very poor. Other than Mahmudullah Riyad and Mushfiqur Rahim, I thought they played well. But all other batsmen, we are not up to the mark. The way we know we can play, I thought we are way short of our caliber.

[Reporter:]

In pre-match press conference, Taskin had said that there is nothing for the bowlers in the Indian pitches. So do you think that - what is wrong behind this? Because what's going wrong with your team? Because Taskin had already said that there is no advantage for bowlers in the Indian soil. But every other countries are bowling well and doing good. So what do you think as a captain?

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

I thought we are way short of our confidence. We were here with high expectations. We couldn't meet up with our expectations and from there on I thought we are struggling with our confidence in both departments, but today I thought we bowled really well after losing the toss the kind of start we wanted we got it. We were sloppy the field and as I said we could have restricted them 170 - 180 probably. But having said that 230 here against Netherlands bowling, we should chase that total.

So, very disappointing the way we played throughout this World Cup so far.

[Reporter:]

Bangladesh's Semi-final hope just finished. From here how can the team come back or what's your plan for the future?

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

Honestly speaking it's very difficult to turn around from here. But since we have 3 more matches, we still have chances. As I said, it would be very difficult but we have to try. There really isn't much we can do but try. As I said, if we can forget today's things and focus on the upcoming match, it would be very good for us. Although it's very difficult to do that because of the situation we are in now, it's really difficult to come back from there.

[Reporter:]

One more thing, there's a lot of debate going on about you recently, about your returning home and your form (performance). Even many Bangladeshi supporters were cheering after the match. So, how do you see these things?

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

It's disappointing. But they actually expect something good. So, naturally, if that doesn't happen, they also have the right to say as they like. So, I don't have any complaints about them. I think the way we played, we deserve this.

[Reporter:]

[inaudible] Bangladesh was not able to play, what is the reason behind it? There was a matter of connection, that was missing from the beginning. You have been with the Bangladesh team for a long time.

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

I can't answer this question. If I could, we would have played it better. I don't have the answer to the question.

[Reporter:]

You said one thing some days before during the Asia Cup that you have won the last 3 matches in all the previous World Cups, and you didn't feel that it was a good performance in any of them. If we consider this World Cup till today, will it be the worst World Cup in Bangladesh's history?

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

Yes, you can definitely say that and I won't disagree with that.

[Reporter:]

You said in an interview before the World Cup that when you were given the captaincy, it was not the ideal time. I mean, you didn't have enough time. Do you think Bangladesh was not able to come to the World Cup with the right preparation? Or was it not the right preparation? There was something wrong there.

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

Yes, we were very underprepared. But now actually giving these excuses will not help much. But obviously, we were underprepared.

[Reporter:]

The World Cup journey for Bangladesh has started since 1999. So, it's been 24 years. We can't play in the semi-finals even after two 2 decades just passed. How can we do that? Where do we have to work?

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

It's hard to say. You might be asking the wrong person. If I were to say, there would be a chance if we made a lot of changes. But I don't think it's the right time to say that now. I think so. As you said we have not been able to play the semifinals for 24 years. It's definitely disappointing. At least the way the people of our country like cricket, the way everyone is focused on cricket, we should have done better than this.

[Reporter:]

In the last 3-4 years, Bangladesh has been doing well in One Day Cricket. Bangladesh was in the top three in the One-Day Super League. We also had a couple of series wins. Then we built confidence. That confidence didn't reflect here. Is this a fact the confidence that built up in the last three or four years was wrong?

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

No, if you win a match, confidence definitely comes into the team. No matter where you are or what country you are in. We weren't doing well in One Day Cricket for the last few months. So, lost in our home ground against England and Afghanistan. We won 2 series against Ireland. So, maybe we didn't come into that tough situation where we would've had more chances to face challenges. We didn't perform that well in the Asia Cup. If you just exclude the last Indian match, it was a disappointing Asia Cup. And along with that if you exclude the match against Afghanistan, then we underperformed. I don't think we were as bad a team as we performed. It could be the World Cup atmosphere, everyone has high expectations, and it could be a combination of all. There could be many things but we need to find out. And if we work accordingly, maybe something good can happen in the future.

[Reporter:]

You said a little while ago that the possibilities are not completely exhausted. Can you tell me how the possibilities are still alive in the World Cup? [cross-talk]

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

I mean, not the Semi-final hope. It is not a semi-final possibility. At least, do a little better. Suppose, you have to be in the ranking 8 if you want to play in the Champions Trophy. So, there are still 3 matches left considering that in mind. Although as I said earlier, it is difficult to come back in such a situation. It will be tough for us. But actually, we can't say anything until the game is over. We have to try and the 15 of us have to try so that we can change these things. I am saying it again, it's difficult, but we have no other option but to try this thing.

[Reporter:]

You said there was a little lack of confidence in the team. From what point or after which game, you thought there was a lack of confidence in the team in the World Cup? And the second question is Mahamudullah made a century in the last match after he came at number 6, today he came at 7. What is the reason behind it? What is the reason behind such changes?

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

See, we are such a team which has a lot of limitations. If you talk about batting or bowling, we don't feel comfortable bowling at different times, we don't feel comfortable batting at different positions, and we don't feel comfortable facing different bowlers. So We have to adjust a lot. That's why we have to shuffle the batting order. I prefer that everyone will go to their respective places and perform. Actually, if everyone performed in their respective places, then it wouldn't matter much. I said this earlier in the press conference, the day before the match against South Africa, if we could bat well at the top order, the real role that Riyad and Mushfiqur had, the role that we had thought about before coming to the World Cup, that would have been perfect. The form that Riyad had, would have been a perfect platform for us. But I don't disagree with what you said. Maybe the way Riyad is batting, maybe if he would have come to the top order it would be good for our team. But actually, if I were to exclude Riyad, I would say that Mushfiq has batted well overall. But the rest of us were very disappointed. We were disappointed by our performance.

[Reporter:]

The fall of Bangladesh's (performance) we are seeing in the World Cup, do you think it's because of the short-sightedness of the selectors that we are suffering?

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

See, it would not be right to blame anyone. Whatever the 15 players we have, we are a better team than this. I do believe this. We couldn't do anything remarkable. So from that point, our performance is very disappointing. And I am sure that everyone in the dressing room will agree that we couldn't do anything that we are capable of.

[Reporter:]

As you cannot find the reason behind such performance, that's why there are a lot of discussions, and we are also trying to find out. The controversy that we had just before coming to the World Cup about Tamim and your comment where you said many unpleasant truths, even if they are true, was very unpleasant. That person was the captain of the team for two and a half years. Certainly, he has some followers in the team. Do you think it has had any effect on the team?

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

It can have an effect, nothing unusual.

Actually, it's difficult to say what's in the mind of the individual. But I don't disagree with what you're saying. It can have an effect.

[Reporter:]

One question is that when Bangladesh qualified for the World Cup, they finished as number three. They won in South Africa, after winning a couple of series. Well, what we've seen in the World Cup, obviously, there was a time, when we played some series other except for points in this year. We were looking at that as a build-up but we had a plan for the Super League. We tried a lot of players. I mean, why didn't we see that reflection in the World Cup? Those plans or that progress. [What do you mean by we tried many plans?] I mean, We had to try a lot of players for the Super League. [cross-talk] [Mosaddek, Shohan, Bijoy and there was a lot more] Exactly, there were many who played. I wanted to say that what we have seen in the last 6 months before the World Cup or in the last 3 months, and also the batting line-up we are seeing, why didn't that success reflect here?

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

What did we see in the last 3 months? Sorry, I don't understand.

[Reporter:]

I am saying that the build-up that was happening, why do the World Cup plans not match with that?

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

See, naturally when you change the coach 5-6 months before the World Cup, or when you change the captain before a World Cup tournament, it is very natural that everything will change again. It is very difficult to keep the same plan. Now, the plan can be good or bad, but everyone has a different plan. It is very normal. If you are in my place, your point of view will be different. I am here, so I have a different point of view, the coach will have a different point of view. The previous coach had a different point of view, the previous captain had a different point of view. So, these things actually vary from person to person. Which is right or wrong can be determined after the result actually. But it's actually difficult that the way we came, why could we make that. It's difficult for me to say.

[Reporter:]

You are playing Pakistan next at this venue. Pakistan are coming off a narrow defeat against South Africa. What are you expecting of the match and from a side like Pakistan?

[Shakib Al Hasan:]

We have to pick ourselves up first of all. At this moment we are not in a situation to think about the opposition. We have to just play the way we know we can play. We have to motivate ourselves. There is no other option at this moment. We have three more matches that we have to play. And if we can give something back to the people of Bangladesh, that will be great. So that's what we can think of at this moment.

 

[SportsWarrior]

from semi final aspirations to first one to get out of the race is a hard fall.

 

[Meenu Rastogi]

Bangladesh will do what Srilanka did in 1996 WC and surprise everyone. Remember SL were also 6th ranked ODI side going into that tournament. People who are laughing at Athar Ali now will have to eat their words.

Go Bangla

That was only possible because they got 4 free points to begin with

 

[Mas-LFC]

AAK has suffered a lot as a BD fan, only BD commentator at icc event, BD being so bad mostly in almost all icc events. He thought a corner has turned since Mashrafe led the team and now BD capable going far. He was trying to show some optimism first time ever in cwc. He forgot to realise the team is internally and externally in a proper mess, unsettled and destabilised. But he thought it was time to show some overconfidence.

 

[MP2011]

Lol at Taskin for saying there is nothing in Indian pitches for bowlers.

 

[latecut]

Bangladesh can win if they bat first and then defend the target. Same formula that South Africa and Netherlands follow. Chasing 229 was too much for the temperamentally suspect Bangladeshi batsmen.

 

[The_KING]

They will still beat Pakistan.

 

[latecut]

Provided they win the toss and bat first and pile up a good total.

 

[Saanji]

AAK has suffered a lot as a BD fan, only BD commentator at icc event, BD being so bad mostly in almost all icc events. He thought a corner has turned since Mashrafe led the team and now BD capable going far. He was trying to show some optimism first time ever in cwc. He forgot to realise the team is internally and externally in a proper mess, unsettled and destabilised. But he thought it was time to show some overconfidence.

I feel india just trolls bangladesh by losing a few games or playing some close games with them. Rest of the world just spanks them around when the time comes.

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

Lol at Taskin for saying there is nothing in Indian pitches for bowlers.

I noticed that too.

I then thought perhaps he meant for bowlers like himself or bowlers from BD in general.

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

I feel india just trolls bangladesh by losing a few games or playing some close games with them. Rest of the world just spanks them around when the time comes.

I think it’s more nuanced than that. The nature of the India -BD relationship is that we (India) tend to patronise them, maybe even treat them with benevolent disregard.

Naturally they resent it and have a point to prove when they play us.

On the other hand I believe that our players sometimes may not go the full throttle when playing BD because of this false superiority feeling. I think it may be (don’t surely know) a very South Asian thing where one doesn’t try too hard against an opponent you don’t really rate. It’s somehow against your sense of superiority.

Meanwhile BD brings their A game to us and hence the results.

I remember 17 year old Tamim absolutely destroying our premier bowler Zaheer Khan in the 2007 WC game and all I could think of was “How can he slap?” . I’m sure the Indian players were as helpless lol. Completely unexpected and one doesn’t know what to do! This is not supposed to happen!

All the above is a theory of mine, I could be completely wrong. Who knows.

But I have often thought about what you wrote, and the whys of it.

 

[MenInG]

A very emotional Bangladeshi fan after defeat to Netherlands....

[Warning - this may have foul language]

 

[Saj]

I think the Pakistani fans who whine about the media and fans being too critical of Pakistan players need to look at the stick the Bangladesh players get!

 

[AAli98]

I think the Pakistani fans who whine about the media and fans being too critical of Pakistan players need to look at the stick the Bangladesh players get!

With the Pak team it’s expect the worse hope for the best.. anything else your in for a heartache. Really poor team only capable of beating minnows like themselves!!

 

[Saj]

They've been terrible in all facets.

A disastrous tournament for them.

First thing that will happen after this tournament - Shakib resigns as skipper.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Shakib may retire. I think he should just play leagues and retire.

 

[BaaliSoda]

Shakib may retire. I think he should just play leagues and retire.

I think he is planning for Mashrafe's route (to become ruling party MP).

 

[BouncerGuy]

Athar's prediction has gone wrong. But Bangladesh is showing some intent in their final encounter againt autralia today. Their CT 2025 qualification is on line i guess here.

 

[jnaveen1980]

It is very hard to be in the shoes of Athar ali khan. A devoted fanboy commentator. They have been letting him down for years. He is still finding energy to get excited whenever BD goes well.