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Journalism of Courage
The cricket-crazy world called Dhaka will brace itself for another emotional roller-coaster,perhaps their last of this tournament,when Bangladesh play South Africa,one of the favourites,in what will be a do-or-die game for the hosts. Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons,aware of the repercussions of a loss,has wisely played down the teams chance against the Group B leaders but faith still runs deep in this side.
One player who the team believes has a Midas touch is Tamim Iqbal and this phenomenon is not restricted to the opening batsmans game alone. Iqbal,known to be largehearted and popular,will extend the largesse by way of luck by touching each of the bats of the players. The team believes this tradition helps the side score runs in crucial games.
The team havent been relying on just superstition. The Bangla version of we shall overcome or hum honge kamyab is the team song that has been sung by the performer of the match after every game.
Motivation has also been provided through watching videos. The teams 67-run win over South Africa in Guyana in the 2007 edition of the tournament has been sourced by bowling coach Ian Pont and fielding coach Julien Fountain,both of whom have been assigned the role of ensuring that the team morale stays high.
On the field the young team will need to play out of their skins,show nerves of steel and shut out the huge expectations from the 25,000-odd spectators in order to overcome South Africa. While victory will trigger an all-night party,a defeat could throw the country into a period of mourning.
South Africa are coming off a win over India,in which they held their nerve in a tight chase. Graeme Smiths side have qualified for the quarterfinal and will be pressure-free. Bangladesh will have to record their first win against the Proteas on home soil to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
Poor record
Overall,in 13 games Bangladesh have recorded just one win over South Africa. Little wonder then that Siddons has tried to keep the expectations realistic. South Africa,over the past three years,have mastered sub-continental conditions.
The Proteas will be wary of the left-arm spin threat that Bangladesh present but in leg-spinner Imran Tahir,Johan Botha the off-spinner and also left-arm spinner Robin Peterson,South Africa own variety with regard to the slow bowlers to back the firepower of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.
On the eve of the game,Smith gave Bangladesh its due.
It is a really big game for Bangladesh. They will be motivated and will be a threat to us. I think they will feel the pressure, Smith said. Shakib Al Hasan will have to agree.
