LONDON: Bangladesh coach Steve Rhodes says the pressure will be on Pakistanwhen the two sides meet in their final World Cup league game at Lord’s onFriday.
Pakistan are not technically out of the competition yet but would need afreakishly big win against already eliminated Bangladesh to overtake NewZealand on run rate.
If Bangladesh win the toss and bat, Pakistan would be out before the gameeven starts.
“We’ve got the pressure of 170 million back home wanting us to win butPakistan can still qualify and, maybe, the pressure is all on Pakistangoing into this game,” Rhodes said on Thursday.
“Both teams are desperate to beat each other. We certainly are. They’ve gota lot to play for as well.”
Rhodes, whose team have won their past four one-day internationals againstPakistan, said a win in their final match would make it a good tournamentfor his side.
“If we beat Pakistan, I think we’ve had a very good World Cup, even thoughwe’ve not qualified,” said the former England Test player.
“And I say that because the other teams, some of the big teams that we’veplayed against, we’ve had close-ish games against them.
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“We pushed Australia. We pushed India. Generally, the games we’ve played,we’ve been in the contest, and we’ve showed a lot of fight. We carry ondoing that, then we’re going to improve and improve.
“We would have loved to have qualified for the latter stages, that’s adisappointment. But the victories have been very good. Certainly, the earlyvictory with South Africa, and West Indies.”
Bangladesh scored 322 to beat the West Indies by seven wickets — thehighest successful chase of the tournament.
Rhodes played down the hype around the last World Cup match for skipperMashrafe Mortaza.
“The one thing about Mashrafe with the players is that they respect himincredibly,” said Rhodes of Mashrafe, who has announced this will be hislast World Cup.
“Hopefully, the boys will give him the right sort of respect playing hislast game in the World Cup but then most importantly we’ll concentrate onthe match.” -APP/AFP
