Champion's India hold no fairs for Bangladesh

ICC World Twenty20 champions India hold no fears for Bangladesh - who are already targeting a semi-final place at least in this year’s tournament.

Twenty-year-old opener Tamim Iqbal was today talking the way he bats - with attacking intent - as he looks forward to his team’s opening fixture against India at Trent Bridge on Saturday night.

Bangladesh already know what it is like to beat their apparent superiors on the big stage, having got the better of both India and Pakistan in World Cups and also famously seen off Australia in Cardiff shortly before the 2005 Ashes.

And Tamim preached self-belief as he plotted a course to bring down India again.

“You shouldn’t fear anyone in international cricket,” he said.

“If you fear an international team you cannot play this game.”

He also senses that 20-over cricket gives Bangladesh an even better chance of pulling off a shock result, as they seek to progress from Group A to the Super Eight stages.

“Twenty20 is a very short format of the game - and whoever plays best on the day will win it,” he said.

“If we can play well and do what our plans demand, we can beat India.

“If Ash [captain Mohammad Ashraful] plays his game; if Shakib (al Hasan) plays his game; if I play my game... it is possible to beat them. We all have a duty to play our part.”

Bangladesh’s World Cup win over India in Trinidad two years ago remains fresh in their minds, and an extra source of confidence in their own ability.

“That is a positive thing for us,” added Tamim.

“But that was 50 overs, and this is totally different. I feel that big teams have no special advantage in Twenty20.

“If Netherlands play great cricket they can beat Australia in this short format of the game.”

Tamim made it clear, as Shakib also has recently, that Bangladesh believe they can reach the last four in this competition.

As for his own game, though, he accepts he needs to start converting his electric starts into something a little more lasting - even in the helter-skelter of Twenty20.

“I’m getting the starts but I need to continue my innings for maybe 15 overs, instead of three or four,” the left-hander acknowledged.

“But I’m feeling confident - and if I can bat for 15 overs against India it will be good for our team.”

source: ECB