India will open their Champions Trophy campaign in Dubai on February 20 against Bangladesh, who have warned all their opponents that they mean business and can’t be taken lightly.
India, who are placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand, will play all their matches in Dubai, while Pakistan remains the official host of the tournament.
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After India’s refusal to send the team to Pakistan, the tournament was made hybrid following an agreement between the Pakistan Cricket Board, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
In Pakistan, the matches will be played in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi.
While the India vs Pakistan encounter on February 23 remains the most awaited game of the tournament, Rohit Sharma & Co would want to begin the tournament on a rousing note, continuing from their 3-0 mauling of England in the ODI series at home.
However, Bangladesh captain Shanto said his team has all the arsenal to shock the big teams, including the favourites.
“We are going to the Champions Trophy to become champions,” Shanto said while talking to the ICC website. “All eight teams deserve to be champions in this tournament. They are all quality teams. I believe our team has the ability. No one will feel extra pressure.
“Everyone genuinely wants (to become champions) and believes in their capabilities. We don’t know what Allah has written in our fate. We are working hard and doing our best. I believe we can achieve our goal.”
After playing India in their opener, Bangladesh will take on New Zealand in Rawalpindi on February 24 and Pakistan on February 27.
Since March last year, Bangladesh have won just one bilateral ODI series, a 2-1 win against Sri Lanka at home, but Shanto is confident to do well and believes in the skills of the players at his disposal.
“I am very happy and confident with the 15 players in the squad,” Shanto said. “Anyone who plays has the ability to win a match single-handedly.”
He highlighted the team’s growing bowling resources, lending balance to the makeup of the squad.
“Not too long ago, we didn’t have quality pace bowlers, but now we have a strong pace bowling unit. We didn’t have wrist spinners before, but now we do. Overall, we have a balanced team,” the skipper said.
“If everyone fulfills their responsibilities properly, we can defeat any team at any time.”