Tigers face Windies in crucial Taunton clash

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Bangla Tribune Report
Published : 07:30, Jun 17, 2019 | Updated : 07:30, Jun 17, 2019

Tigers skipper Mashrafe Mortaza during press conference in Taunton Sunday PHOTO/Md ManikBangladesh face West Indies in their fifth match of the 2019 World Cup at the Somerset County ground at Taunton on Monday (Jun 17).
Both the teams have three points in their tallies winning one among three matches played and have had to share points for a wash out each. However, the Windies are ahead in the table with better net run rate.



The Tigers won their opening match against South Africa, but lost the next two against England and New Zealand before sharing points with Sri Lanka to a washout.
To stand a chance of reaching the semi-finals, Bangladesh will have to win at least four of the remaining five matches against West Indies, Australia, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan.

Shakib al Hasan trains in Taunton on Sunday PHOTO/Md Manik“Both teams have the same number of points. But I think it's time to think about ourselves only. If you understand this tournament, obviously a few matches left but tomorrow's [Monday] match is a very important match for us. So hopefully we'll play well tomorrow,” Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza told the pre-match media call on Sunday.
Ahead of the crucial game, the Bangladesh team trained intensely on Sunday. Wicketkeeper cum batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, who suffered blow to his right hand the previous day, attended the practice session and seemed fit.
Mushfiqur Rahim trains in Taunton on Sunday PHOTO/Md ManikThe Windies were, however, still sweating over Andre Russell who limped off in the last match after bowling for only two overs. The all-rounder had been suffering with his knee for quite some time now. West Indies captain Jason Holder has said they will wait for Russell’s availability for Monday’s game until the final hour.
Nevertheless, after nine games against West Indies in the past 12 months, seven of which they have won, Bangladesh will not lack for confidence.
The last three of those victories were achieved in the tri-series before the World Cup also involving Ireland. But West Indies then were without Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran and Andre Russell who were at the IPL, three players who would add a significant amount to any team and who have shown glimpses of their best form in this tournament.
After last week's horrendous wet weather, things are supposed to be picking up in the next few days. The forecast for Taunton is set to be cloudy with limited chance of rains.
But the weather in Taunton proved to be unpredictable with some rain in the last couple of days and even during Bangladesh team’s training at the Somerset County ground.
The surface, as it was for the previous two matches at the ground, is expected to offer something for the faster men but the short boundaries will still encourage the batsmen.

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