Tigers all set for semi showdown

An ICC Champions Trophy that has till now been short on fun was revived by a massive shock as tournament favourite Australia's Champions Trophy campaign ended with a whimper on Saturday when a rampant England side knocked Steve Smith's men out of the tournament in dominating fashion to open the semifinal door for Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi people usually do not get many opportunities to celebrate their joy together. But the members of Bangladesh cricket team often brings the moments that can be rejoiced together forgetting all miseries.

On Saturday, the match between England and Australia, seemed to be a do-or-die match for Bangladesh as their qualification to the semifinals depended on the result of the clash between England and Australia.

Every single Bangladeshi was praying for England’s win. However, their prayers were finally paid off.

But realistically the match would not have been as important for Bangladesh fans if they were beaten by New Zealand in the do-or-die clash on last Friday.

But yesterday, cricket-crazy Bangladesh fans at home and abroad burst firecrackers and danced on the streets after England dumped Australia out of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2017.

In an instant reaction, Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe thanked the former cricketers of Bangladesh for their contributions.

“Credit should go to our former cricketers who showed us the passage and the train.
It all started with their hands. And we are now here with the help of our respected cricketers who played in 80’s and 90’s. Obviously, there are a number of stars in Bangladesh cricket, but I believe Bangladesh reached such platform through a process.” Mashrafe told media on Saturday after England’s win.   

“As a player I feel proud. I always wanted to see Bangladesh here,” said Mash.

But the road to Bangladesh’s first ever semifinal spot was not very smooth. It was all about the battle for survival for Tigers till last Saturday.

They found themselves in a not-so-ideal situation when they shared one point from first two matches.

Bangladesh were unfairly tagged as “underdog” coming into the tournament and competed in a group where all other teams were capable to send Bangladesh with a defeat.

After a horror start of the tournament with a heavy loss against England and an abandoned game against Australia, Tigers needed a spark. A spark which can push them to a cloud of comfort. A win, a must win. Else, it's all over.

Finally, Bangladesh survived the scare as they pulled off perhaps their biggest win in recent times against New Zealand to keep their semifinals hopes alive.

But Tigers semifinals berth depended on the outcome of the last Group A match between England and Australia in Birmingham on Saturday to decide the equations.

A win could have sealed Australia`s place in the last four but finally Tigers marched into the semifinal after England beat Australia in dominating fashion.

The crowds started dancing and chanting "Bangladesh, Bangladesh" as their team went to semifinal for the first time in any ICC’s cricket tournament.  

Tigers though survived their battle of survival in exciting fashion, their Champions Trophy battle is still raging on, as they are to face the winner of the match between India and South Africa in the second semifinal at Birmingham on June 15.

Ahead of their million-pound semifinals, Bangladesh cricket team has already reached Birmingham city yesterday afternoon.

After passing two-days relaxation, they will resume their practice today with a different mission.

Source: dailysun