BD look to kick off WC campaign with a win at any cost
Tuesday, 17 February 2015
CANBERRA, Feb 16 (Reuters): Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha believes the first match of the World Cup (WC) campaign is a must win for his side.
Bangladesh kick off their 2015 World Cup against Afghanistan in the Pool A Wednesday in Canberra.
"The first match is important for everyone, no matter the opponents," said the Sri Lankan.
Bangladesh have lost all four warmup matches in the lead-up to the tournament. They followed up two defeats against Australia XI with losses against Pakistan and Ireland.
Hathurusingha, however, is satisfied with his side's preparations for the 11th edition of the game's showcase event.
"(I am) happy with the preparations. I am happy with what we got from the warmups."
"No doubt it is never ideal to lose (warmup matches). But we have tried things out in them and let some players play in the condition. We know very well what the combination will be."
Hathurusingha feels ace allrounder Shakib Al Hasan will be a key player for Bangladesh.
"I expect him (Shakib) to perform well and take up the key role of the team. I hope, he will be leading from the front." Shakib, who is the first allrounder in the game's history to top the ICC rankings in all three formats, has been consistent with the ball and the bat.