There is nothing that is for granted in any cricket match, not least in a limited-overs contest.
Batsmen in form, bowlers on target and fielding top notch - Virat Kohli's men have covered all bases so far and Mashrafe Mortaza's men - after their lucky entry into semi- finals - will have to pull off something really special at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground tomorrow. One dropped catch, a wrong umpiring decision or even a shower can change the entire complexion of any match.
Two teams from the subcontinent- India and Bangladesh lock horns in the semi-finals of the 2017 Champions Trophy.
MASHRAFE MORTAZA: First thing is we're playing also first time in our life to semifinal, so that is also a fact, and also if it's pressure, I think India got more pressure than us because the huge population is there, and people love cricket in India a lot. "But if we are under pressure then I think India are under more pressure compared to us due to their huge population and the love for the game among common public", Mortaza said at the pre-match press conference. Mahmudallah will also look to add strength to the side's batting while openers Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar will have to give the team a good start against India. At the end of the day, what matters is what kind of cricket you play out in the middle, and Bangladesh played excellent cricket against New Zealand, which is why they now find themselves on the cusp of making the final.
"If you talk about pressure, I think India has more pressure than us".
Terming Bangladesh a "very dangerous" side, the 28-year-old Kohli credited the opposition with rising to the challenge in big matches. Its like mini World Cup. That would have been a big achievement for me, but it's come a long way.
After the game, Bangladesh accused the authorities of siding up with India, who then were the defending world champions.
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India topped Group B after securing convincing wins against South Africa and arch-rivals Pakistan but were stunned by a spirited Lankan side.
Bangladeshi media's favourite topic has been all about the encounter being a "grudge match" and how their beloved "Tigers" will be exacting revenge.
"Not necessarily (that it has to be a grudge match)! It is not working that well here, but I am still trying", Mustafizur was quoted as saying by Bangladesh's "Daily Star" newspaper. Understandably, there is ample amount of excitement in Bangladesh as the minuscule of world cricket has finally engraved their name on a global scale. The team will now feel that no task is beyond them, that if they play to their potential, they can get the better of anyone. "Hopefully, if we can soak in the pressure and play good cricket", he said.
"It's been 24 months", said Virat Kohli when asked about the controversies after the 2015 World Cup. Still we are the same, and obviously forgot it.
"Our plan was always to take it match by match", he said.
The skipper also warned his team not to underestimate Bangladesh, a team who have improved dramatically over the past few years to the point where they are now one game away from reaching a first final at an ICC event.
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