Tigers\\\' coach eyes 2nd round, skipper for good start

Head coach of Bangladesh National Cricket team Chandika Hathurusingha wants to overcome the hurdles of the first round in the ICC Cricket World Cup as first target while Captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza seeks a good start in the event, reports UNB.
They came up with the expectations at a press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur Thursday, prior to their departure for Australia tomorrow (Saturday).
The head coach said the talent the players have in terms of their commitment, confidence and aptitude is enough to qualify for the 2nd round. "Our first target is to qualify for the 2nd round and then win four matches in the group stage," he said.
Attaching equal importance to all the matches, Hathurusingha expressed the hope that his side would do something special if they remain fit avoiding injury.
Replying to a query, the coach expressed his happiness over the recovery of opening batsman Tamim Iqbal from injury, saying, "The players now are in a good shape… we'll perform our best, time will say what we have."
Mentioning that the Australian condition will act as a big factor for the Bangladesh players, he sees Shakib Al Hasan's stay there for playing the Big Bash League as an advantage.
Echoing the coach, captain Mashrafe said they have the ability to beat any team. He, however, underscored the need for a good start in the tournament as well as a team performance as a whole.
Observing that there is always a pressure of expectations on players, Mashrafe said they would try their best to do well in the World Cup.
The captain does not single out any team as a tough opponent to avoid mental stress. "We don't want to attach special attention to any particular team. We just want to concentrate on our consistent performances."
About Shakib, Tamim and Mushfiqur Rahim, he said the trio has the ability to perform well against any team and in any condition.
He expressed his belief that the Bangladesh spinners will play a vital role in the World Cup for the Tigers. The Tigers will leave for Brisbane of Australia tomorrow (Saturday) to play the Cricket World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand from February 14 to March 29.
However, Tamim will join the team later as he will first fly to Melbourne on January 25 where he has to take an injection.
Bangladesh vice-captain and world ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who left the country on January 4, is now staying in Australia on completion of his BBL mission for Melbourne Renegades. He will join the team in Brisbane.
Bangladesh was placed in Pool-A with Australia, Sri Lanka, England, New Zealand, Scotland and Afghanistan.
The Mashrafe-led Tigers will play two practice matches against Pakistan and Ireland at Blacktown Olympic Park Oval in Sydney on February 9 and 12 respectively before starting their World Cup mission.
Bangladesh will face Afghanistan in their opening match at Manuka Oval in Canberra on February 18 while play former world champion Australia on February 2; Sri Lanka on February 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground; Scotland on March 5 at Saxton Oval, Nelson; England on March 9 at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide and meet New Zealand on March 13 at Seddon Park, Hamilton.