IT is for the sixth time that we are participating in the ICC, to earn a place in the World Cup. On the last five occasions miserably failed to capitalize our good fortune. We failed because of our own faults and we have no one to blame for it. Bangladeshi players have tremendous vitality but cannot show their worth at the right moment. As we are getting one day status, soon It is extremely important that we quality for the World Cup.
The ICC tournament has already started: we have qualified for the second round as expected, infact there is no reason why Bangladesh cannot go to the semifinals. Bangladesh became the only unbeaten team in their group, and easily made to the second round. One aspect which I observed is the fact that our players are behaving like professionals for the first time and they are playing positive cricket, which they should have done earlier. They made ■ a Shaky start by beating Argentina. but in their other matches they played exceptionally well. Our batting was however not upto the mark. They batted well, but could not manage a score which they could nave had. They have lack of application, as coach Greenidge pointed out, and they must improve on it. The day the openers gave their country a good start, the middle order totally collapsed, and the day the openers played bad. the middle order succeeded. Infact consis-
tency must prevail. if Bangladesh face against good teams. They have to do well in every department.
Their bowling and fielding has definitely improved, but there is a scope for more improvement. We must remember one thing that is. in the first round we played against teams that are not of our standard, but in the second round we will face stiff challenge from the other teams, like Holland and Kenya, who are good cricketing sides. Kenya will also be a problem though they are not in Bangladesh’s group. In my opinion Bangladesh's batting should improve. 1 do not have any idea why their batting has gone ’ down. We could not bat comfortably in any of the first round matches except the one against East Africa. Against Holland arid Kenya if Bangladesh cannot score above 220. then they will have problem. Their fielding has definitely improved but they should practice hitting the stumps more of ten. which they are weak in.
In my .opinion four teams will go to the semi finals, Kenya. Bangladesh. Holland and Scotland. If Bangladesh can become Champion in their group, they will most probably face Scotland, and can move into the finals, while Kenya, will face Holland. If my equation is right, Bangladesh and Kenya are supposed to meet in the final, in Kenya on April 12th. Now let us focus on the other three teams.
In the fifth ICC. Kenya became champions and got a place to play in the World Cup. They are a good side and has the capability to turn the game around. Let us not forget that they beat West Indies in the World Cup. Last month they arranged four nation trophy which gave them a lot of experience. All the players who played in the last World Cup. are playing in the ICC.
Holland is one of the favourites to win the ICC trophy this year. Though half of the team those played in the last World Cup are absent. They still have a good prospect to quality. In the fourth ICC trophy they became runners-up. They have some good players who are responsible for their success in the past.
Scotland in my opinion will qualify up to the semi-finals. They have a long cricket heritage of playing cricket and has improved a lot. Most of their players play in the country, which makes them experience.
Twelve crore people's eyes are focused in Kualalumpur. They have a dream that their team will play in the World Cup. The last five times they were deprived of seeing Bangladesh in the World Cup. Cricketers my earnest request don't let them down. We know you can do it. Oh God! Please give us a good fortune. Let nothing stop us this time. Our heads will rise high when we will hear the tune of 'Sonar Bangla’ in Lords. Let us hope for the best. God bless our Cricketers!