Tigers take on big boys today

FE Team | Published: March 25, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

For millions in Bangladesh of extreme emotion and an obsession with the national cricket team, the Super 10 phase of the ICC World Twenty20 2014 begins today (Tuesday).
A fair few teams have already played two matches each in the Super 10s, a couple of them are flirting with elimination, but Bangladesh, the host nation, join the party of the big boys fairly late in the piece when they take on West Indies, the defending champions, in their opening Group 2 fixture at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium at 7:30pm, according to Wisden India.
The 'tournament proper' has been well patronised with big crowds both in Mirpur and in Chittagong, where the Group 1 matches are being held, but energy levels will hit a new high when Mushfiqur Rahim's boys line up against the might of West Indies.
Bangladesh came through a topsy-turvy qualifying campaign in which they crushed Afghanistan, their conquerors in the 50-over Asia Cup, and Nepal before suffering a dramatic, unexpected reverse at the hands of Hong Kong, until then looking completely out of their depth.
Conditions in Chittagong, of course, are vastly contrasting to those on offer at the Sher-e-Bangla, with its low, slow pitches that should suit Bangladesh, armed with a plethora of excellent spin options, a lot better.
The average Bangladeshi cricket fan almost worships the national side. There is certain to be a carnival-like atmosphere outside the ground, as well as inside it, and the roof will get a mighty shake-up when the Bangladeshi national anthem is played out. Every Bangladeshi run will be cheered with gusto, every wicket taken will send decibel levels soaring. When things are going well, the crowd becomes the unofficial 12th man, its energy and enthusiasm infectious and definite to lift the team.
West Indies' big challenge would be to silence the crowd, which would then mean they are the ones calling the shots. Gayle is a particular favourite in this part of the world, as he is across the cricketing globe, but it is difficult to see the Bangladeshi supporter applaud him today (Tuesday) like they did on Sunday, when he first showed up on the giant screen and then when he hammered Mohammed Shami and Amit Mishra for a six apiece during what was otherwise an uncharacteristically circumspect knock.