India aim to end 27-year old title drought in World Cup
February 18, 2011 by Cricket USA Magazine
Filed under Columns
A rejuvenated India would aim to redeem their tarnished pride and end a 27-year-old jinx when they start their World Cup cricket campaign against Bangladesh at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka on Saturday (February 19).
This match will be the 23rd one day international between the two teams and second in World Cup. India have a good record against Bangladesh in one day international matches but they lost the only match played in World Cup. They have won 20 and lost just two in 22 played between the two sides.
Bangladesh defeated India by five wickets when two teams met only time in the World Cup at Port of Spain on March 17,2007.
It might be tempting to call it one of the biggest upsets, but the manner in which Bangladesh pulled the rug from under India’s feet at Port-of-Spain, for their third win in World Cup games and 34th overall, came with a touch of the inevitable. Mashrafe Mortaza inspired a clockwork bowling effort, helped largely by a slew of sloppy strokes, before three teenagers displayed confidence, verve and composure beyond their years to turn a tricky chase into a stroll, winning by five wickets.
India also have a good record in the matches played against Bangladesh in Bangladesh. They have won 12, lost one in 13 one day international matches played against Bangladesh in Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s only victory against India at home came at Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka on December 26, 2004. The home team have won the match by 15 runs.
It is hard to beat India in day/night encounters for Bangladesh. The Indians have won 11 and lost just one in 12 matches played against Bangladesh under lights.
The men in blue have a perfect record against Bangladesh at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka. They have won all five matches against the home team at this venue. Overall India have won seven and lost three in 10 matches played at this ground.
The Indian team recorded a six-wicket win over Bangladesh when two teams met last time in a limited overs international match at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on June 16, 2010
Batting first after winning the toss, Bangladesh were bowled out for 167 for 34.5 overs. India made 168 for four in 30.4 overs to win the match by six wickets with 116 balls remaining.
