Mashrafe Mortaza and MS Dhoni could well face off in the quarters.
© AFP
Bangladesh created history by sailing past the group stages of the World Cup for the first time since 2007. Eight years back in the West Indies, the Tigers had stunned India to book a place in the Super 8s and on Monday, in front a packed Adelaide Oval, Mashrafe Mortaza's men shocked England by 15 runs to qualify for the quarter-finals from group A. England's exit from the Cricket World Cup 2015 should make Team India smile.(India Aim World Cup Record vs Ireland)
If everything goes as per the script and teams live up to their billing (read rankings) in the remainder of the pool matches, India, the defending world champions, will clash against Bangladesh in the quarters.(Bangladesh Knock Out England, Enter Quarters)
Here is how the quarter-finals are lined up:
QF 1: A1 v B4 (March 18, Sydney)
QF2: A2 v B3 (March 19, MCG)
QF3: A3 v B2 (March 20, Adelaide)
QF 4: A4 v B1 March 21, Wellington)
How will India Meet Bangladesh?
If they beat either of Ireland (March 10) and Zimbabwe (March 14) India will end up as Pool B toppers (B1). Bangladesh, currently third in Pool A, have to play New Zealand (A1) on Friday (March 13). The battle for 3rd and 4th spots in Pool A is between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The Kiwis are unbeaten in their group and should prevail over Bangladesh (expected to finish A4). If the Lankans beat Scotland in their last match on Wednesday (March 11), Angelo Mathews' team will end up A3. Australia should finish A2.
However, there is a slip between the lip and the cup and the probabilities are many. The line-up in group B is still not clear with South Africa, Pakistan, Ireland and West Indies unsure where they will finish finally.
India of course, still cannot afford to relax. Their clash against Ireland in Hamilton could be a potential banana skin. India were in sublime form during the Australian phase of their World Cup campaign but they will be wary of the giant-killing Irish in New Zealand, where bowlers have had a lot of say.
Ireland's attack of accurate medium-pacers could be a dangerous lot . Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar cautioned India not to take Ireland lightly and stay focused.
"Batsmen have to be careful in New Zealand. The ball will move in the air and off the pitch. India need to tighten up their batting. They should play every match like a final from now on," Gavaskar told NDTV.
Ireland ended Pakistan's hopes in the 2007 World Cup, sending the 1992 champions home after one of the greatest upsets in recent World Cup history. The Irish came back to hunt down England in 2011 and announced their intentions this year, with a resounding win over two-time champions West Indies.
"Ireland is a good team and India must not experiment. India must aim to top their group," said Gavaskar, who warned Dhoni against trying out too many things on Tuesday. The former India opener said he was confident India would not tamper with their winning combination.
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