Cricket World Cup / Editor / 18 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Bangladesh's battery of left-arm spinners did the damage and their three teenage batsmen successfully chased down India's insufficient total to record the first shock of the 2007 World Cup.

The Tigers are now in position qualify for the Super Eights, standing in second place in Pool B behind Sri Lanka on run rate.

But Dav Whatmore's side beat New Zealand in the warm-ups and have served warning that they have the ability to cause another upset on the turning surface at Port Of Spain's Queens Park Oval.

India, on the other hand, must win both of their remaining matches - against Bermuda and Sri Lanka - to keep the hopes of a billion cricket fans alive.

Tamim Iqbal's stunning 51 from 53 balls, featuring two sixes, proved to be the decisive knock but it was new-ball bowler Mashrafe Mortaza who set Bangladesh on their way with the early strikes to dismiss Virender Sehwag and Robin Uthappa.

India's innings was steadied by Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh who shared a partnership of 85 after skipper Rahul Dravid, who had earlier won the toss and chosen to bat, fell in the 25th over at 72-4.

But a late flurry of wickets saw the total kept the total down to 192, which was surpassed with nine balls and five wickets remaining as three of Bangladesh's prodigious teenagers made mature half centuries.
Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar said: "Tamim Iqbal batted really well - hope he continues like this.

"Rahim did a brilliant job. He has a good technique and plays the new ball well. This win has given a fair chance to qualify to second round.

Bangladesh's famous win was also tinged with sadness and Bashar paid tribute to Tigers all-rounder Manjural Islam who was killed in a road accident on Friday at the age of 22.

"This is a great day for Bangladesh cricket. We would like to dedicate this win to our friend Manjural Islam," he said.

Bangladesh (6.2) remain outsiders to repeat the opening victory in their next Group B match against Sri Lanka (1.18) on Wednesday.