Wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi warned New Zealand not to underestimate fellow quarter-finalists Bangladesh when they meet Friday with the Asian side desperate for a win which could help them avoid facing champions India.
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Co-hosts New Zealand have alr-eady qualified for the last-eight as Pool A table-toppers with ten points from five wins while Bangladesh made the quarter-finals for the first time with a shock win over England on Monday.
The Bangladesh Tigers were pushed to the fourth spot yesterday when Sri Lanka, also through to the knockout rounds, thrashed winless Scotland by 148 runs.
The fourth-placed team will take on India, who have five wins in five, for a spot in the semi-finals.
“They are playing some good cricket and they have lost just one game so far in the World Cup,” said Ronchi.
“They are consistent and playing well and winning games so we have to be on our money to beat them and play well.”
Bangladesh, who can include four capable spinners in their starting side, defeated England with pace and swing in Adelaide with their fastest bowler Rubel Hossain taking four wickets in their dramatic triumph.
“The thing, obviously, is that it doesn’t turn as much in New Zealand as in Bangladesh. It could still be a force for them but it’s not as big a force as we play in New Zealand and if it spins we have to work through it,” added Ronchi.
Asked if New Zealand will be motivated enough to face Bangladesh after already guaranteeing top spot in the table, Ronchi replied: “It’s a World Cup and you are playing for your country so if you need more motivation than that you probably shouldn’t be here. Everybody will be up for it.”
