Bangladesh look to shed under-performers'' tag

Vijay Vedala

Mumbai, Feb 16 (PTI) For long they have been content withan odd upset and been looked upon as underachievers unworthyof Test status, but Bangladesh would look to surpass allexpectations when they kick off their World Cup campaignagainst co-hosts India in Dhaka on February 19.

Though their record in the quadrennial event is not allthat commendable - five victories from 20 matches - the Banglatigers can take heart from their performance in the 2007edition when they reached the second round for the first timein three attempts - ousting India and defeating South Africaon their way.

That performance in the West Indies came after adisastrous stint in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa whenthey lost five of their six matches (one being abandoned), andan impressive debut in 1999, taming eventual runners-upPakistan and fellow-associate members Scotland, that led totheir immediate promotion as the 10th Test playing nation.

In their quest for creating history, Bangladesh can seekinspiration from Sri Lanka, who had won just four of their 26matches, prior to becoming the first co-host nation to win theWorld Cup in 1996.

Bangladesh are placed in Group B and victories againstone or two of the top four teams -- India, South Africa,England and West Indies (teams they have registered victoriesagainst in the past) -- and minnows Netherlands and Irelandmay well see them reaching the second round for the secondtime in succession. More PTI VKV SSR DK AT