Bangladesh’s resounding victory over Afghanistan has hardened their belief that they can repeat their stunning 2005 upset over Cricket World Cup heavyweights Australia.
“Just because Australia are tournament favourites doesn’t mean they can’t be beaten,” man-of-the-match wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim told reporters after his side’s 105-run win over World Cup debutants Afghanistan on Wednesday.
Bangladesh shocked the cricketing world back in 2005 when they beat Australia with four balls to spare in Cardiff.
And Ireland’s upset win over the West Indies on Monday provided a timely reminder that big upsets are part and parcel of one-day internationals.
“The belief is there in the group,” Rahim said after smashing 71 runs from 56 balls to help post a 267 total.
“Everyone talks about (Australia) being the number one team at the moment.
“So it’s not going to be easy, but it’s not going to be impossible either, because in the one day game, anyone can win.”
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza and Australian captain Michael Clarke are the only two current international players who were involved in that famous 2005 boilover.
And if you’re a believer in omens, well, they don’t look good for Australia.
It was Clarke’s (54 off 84 balls) first international game in almost three months and one match later he had to be rested to manage his troublesome back problem.
Mortaza, on the other hand, struck in the very first over of the match to send opener Simon Katich packing.
Not only did Mortaza do the same to dismiss Afghani opener Javed Ahmadi at Manuka Oval on Wednesday night, but he struck in his very next over to leave Afghanistan reeling at 3-3.
With Rubel Hossain launching 145kmh missiles from the other end, it was an opening spell that would have surely caught the wary eye of the Australian batsmen ahead of Saturday’s clash on the pace-friendly Gabba pitch.
And just in case they didn’t see Bangladesh skittle Afghanistan for just 162 runs, Mortaza (3-20) was more than happy to send them a heads-up.
“If we can bowl like that, it doesn’t matter who it’s against,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter who are the batsmen, the ball will do the rest.”
