“We have to do the basics right” – Iresh Zaker

Actor Iresh Zaker is one of the most avid followers of cricket and keenly follows the fortunes of the Bangladesh cricket team -- be it a bilateral home series or a global tournament. He has been following the ICC World Cup closely, and ahead of Bangladesh's first-ever World Cup quarterfinal -- that too against the current champions -- he shared his opinions and formula for Tigers' success.

“To look at it objectively, this current Indian team does not really have a weakness. Their batsmen have been in form, their seamers are bowling well, and they are enjoying a great run. So it's going to be a tough ask. Our boys will have to play within themselves. They cannot set a mental target of 350-370 batting first; that is not our brand of cricket. If everything goes our way, we may be up to 300-320, but we have to ensure we get up to 280. And then, our bowlers have to also keep in mind that it's an in-form batting lineup, and just keep chipping away. If we can do the basics right, we have every chance to push them over the brink. In the England and New Zealand games, the wides and no-balls our bowlers bowled were next to nothing, and we have to keep at it: bowl tight, field sharp.

“In terms of the team combination, I think it's a little too much to ask of Imrul. Since Soumya is playing virtually an opener's role, if he can open the batting, that gives us the option to pick maybe a fourth seamer or an extra batsman. Nasir I think is a crucial part of the team; I hope he has more of a role to play. I am hoping for contributions from all the boys. Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur have been in superb touch, but Shakib hasn't really shone with the bat yet -- I think it might be him playing an anchoring role. Sabbir and Soumya are doing well, as are our quick bowlers.

“This last week has been a little nerve-racking. All the excitement and anticipation building up … it's not letting me sleep at night. I'm just looking forward to the game, and wishing good luck to our boys, and to everyone in the country!”