Tigers look for India repeat

/ Editor / 09 May 2007 / Leave a Comment

Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar believes Bangladesh can repeat their World cup victory over India, as the two sides prepare to meet in a one day international in Dhaka on Thursday.

The Tigers knocked their opponents out at the first round stage in the Caribbean and are now seeking a series victory, with the upcoming three one-day games.

India have left Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh and Ajit Agarkar out of their side, while batsman Manoj Tiwary is injured.

That will have further boosted Bangladesh's hopes of success, as they seek to give the perfect farewell gift to coach Dav Whatmore, who will stand down after the series, which also includes two Tests.

Skipper Bashar admitted: "We have the belief that we can beat any team if we play to our potential.

"India are a good side and we can't afford to take them lightly just because we beat them in the World Cup. But playing at home is always an advantage."

Betfair punters though see the home side as the underdogs for the opening match, with Bangladesh trading at 5.1 and India available at 1.24.

The tourists are also strong 1.18 favourites to win the series, with Bangladesh available to back at 6.2.