ICC World Cup 2023: B’desh eye turnaround v bottom-placed Dutch

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan with bowling coach Allan Donald at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, yesterday. Pic/PTI

Over three weeks and 26 matches later, the World Cup bandwagon will finally roll into the Eden Gardens. For this cricket-crazy city still basking in the afterglow of its biggest festival, Saturday's joust between Bangladesh and the Netherlands was to be the appetiser before the more exciting encounters here. It was, after all, an unequal contest involving a Test-playing nation and an aspirant that shows up at this level only occasionally.

Much of that has changed in recent weeks and the ‘Tigers', in the midst of a disappointing campaign, are up against a team who have not just been competitive but scripted one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. Notwithstanding their crushing defeat to Australia on Wednesday, last week's victory over South Africa remains a stunning statement on the capabilities of the Men in Orange.

Also Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Losers and arrogant

Must-win games

Bangladesh too have to get over Tuesday's 149-run thrashing by the resurgent Proteas but Saturday is an opportunity. After a string of four losses that have all but shut the door to the knockout stage, it's time to turn things around. Taskin Ahmed spelt it out. "We have to win and gather full points from the remaining four matches and hope the net run-rate works out," said the pacer.

As they seek resurrection, it will encourage them that behind their pathetic performances, promise has peeped now and then. Mahmudullah's classy century amidst the ruins of the Aussie encounter, the all-round display of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das's commanding 76 v England, Mushfiqur Rahim's calm presence at the crease, left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam's impressive spells all point to potential and possibilities. Mustafizur is yet to hit the straps. And then, there is Shakib, the world's best all-rounder and a match-winner. Bangladeshi fans, many of them having made the short trip to join the travelling brigade here, will be hoping it all comes together on Saturday.

Dutch all-rounders, a threat

The Dutch have been well served by all-rounders Logan van Beek and Bas de Leede with the likes of Sybrand Engelbrecht and Colin Ackermann chipping in with useful runs. Skipper Scott Edwards's unbeaten 78 against SA was a highlight. It's just as well that the ‘underdogs' tag allows them to carry a certain lightheartedness into a contest.