Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal believes his side are the favourites for the upcoming 2019 ICC World Cup against West Indies at Taunton on Monday.
Both Bangladesh and Windies are identically placed after three matches apiece in the tournament and head into Monday’s clash with three points each in their kitty.
While the Caribbean side have historically been the more dominant side, it is Bangladesh who have had the upper hand in the past one year with the Tigers winning seven out of the nine most recent ODI meetings against Windies.
That included victory in the final of the recent ODI tri-series in England and these displays have convinced Tamim that Bangladesh go into Monday’s clash as the favourites.
“Of course, why not? We have won more than them in the recent past. We can be favourites, of course,” the Bangladesh stalwart was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
“In Ireland, we won all three matches against them. It does not matter to me who are favourites and who are not.
Bangladesh beat Windies thrice in the recent series in Ireland.
“Cricket is such a game that whoever brings the ‘A’ game has a chance on that particular day. That is the case for any team in this World Cup.”
The Bangladesh opener is also prepared for a barrage of bouncers from the Windies pacers at Taunton based on the tactics the Caribbean side have adopted so far in the World Cup.
The Windies pace battery has used the short-ball to lethal effect in the tournament and it was most evident in their campaign opener where they bowled out Pakistan for just 105 runs.
“We normally try to simulate in the nets what our opponents are likely to do,” said Tamim.
“They usually target us with the short ball but they do the same against all sides in the first ten to 15 overs. They also give run-scoring opportunities.
“We have to prepare for both, that’s why we are working hard in practice. We want to make sure it is not a surprise for us.”
