To listen to the Bangladeshi faithful, you’d be convinced that Bangladesh were favourites, but, then again, they always say that. They claimed to be “red hot favourites” against South Africa, and that it was not an upset. They claimed to be favourites against Sri Lanka and England too. As for West Indies, their bubble has not only burst, but they are floating way down to earth. Bangladesh fans would do well to remember 2011, when they were so sure that they’d beat West Indies only to be bowled out for 58 and lose by 9 wickets off just 12 overs. And that was at home. Bangladesh could well face a similar level of destruction here, especially if they find themselves batting first. They would do well to win the toss and bowl.
Can’t get enough cricket? Be sure to check out more of our 2019 World Cup content here.
Five Fearless Predictions:
(1) Shakib al Hasan will star
He’s been the player of the World Cup so far and I am picking him to have another big one. While West Indies are one of Bangladesh’s worst opponents, that doesn’t matter to Shakib al Hasan, and he is going to thrill yet again.
(2) West Indies will win
Their World Cup campaign has derailed somewhat, and they now sit in 6th place, behind even Sri Lanka, but a win here will push them back into 4th spot and in with a real shot of making the semi-finals. A win for Bangladesh will push them up to 5th but that’s not likely to happen. More likely, Bangladesh will stay in 8th spot. At least their net run rate is well ahead of 9th placed Pakistan.
(3) Prepare for a bouncer barrage
Bangladesh are great players of spin bowling but not so good against great fast bowling, complete with bouncers galore. It’ll be tough.
(4) Please don’t rain
Bangladesh might like the rain, but we won’t. Four washouts is enough.
(5) Hopefully Andre Russell is fit
It’d be nice if he is fit. He looked bad when he went down after hitting the 6 in the last match. He’s one of the form players of the shortened form of the game and is a joy to watch. He’s also bowling really well.
Have an opinion you want to share? Be sure to join the conversation online by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter. Better yet, why not write for us?