World Cup 2015: Bashar tells Bangladesh to be fearless

MUMBAI: Habibul Bashar was the captain of Bangladesh when they caused one of the greatest upsets in the history of the World Cup while beating India by five wickets at Port of Spain on March 17, 2007. So devastating was the impact of this result, that India were sent packing from the tournament in the preliminary stages itself, leading to widespread anger among fans.
The eastern neighbours meet again - this time in the quarters of the marquee competition in Melbourne on Thursday - and Bashar is following proceedings keenly in Dhaka. "I am impressed with the fight our team has put up," the 42-year-old, who is also part of the Bangladesh national selection panel, told TOI.
Is he surprised that they have reached the last eight at the cost of England, a team that reached the final when the event was last held Down Under in 1992? "I am not surprised.The boys have potential and they have fought really hard" Interestingly , Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan and skipper Mashrafe Mortaza were part of the side that beat India on that fateful day eight years ago, while skipper MS Dhoni is the only member who was part of the Indian team.
"It is important that the boys don't let the pressure get to them.After all, India are still the overwhelming favourites in the game. I am sure Mashrafe and Shakib will tell the boys that if we could beat India eight years ago, we can beat them this time too.They should not fear India."