Dhaka need to win basement battle

Match facts

Oct 27, 2008
Start time 7.30pm (1400 GMT)

Big Picture

It is probably fair to say that the Dhaka Warriors haven't had luck on their side in most of the matches. With the batsmen in imperious form, the bowlers sadly haven't come into their own in the tournament. With just the lone win against the Delhi Giants from four matches so far, this could be the best possible chance for the newest ICL entrant to make a late charge for the coveted semi-final places. Up against the Mumbai Champs, the whipping boys of the second season so far, a win would be paramount to keep themselves alive in the tournament.

Mumbai, on the other hand, may well look forward to the next tournament having lost all their four games till date. However, with the likes of the destructive Nathan Astle, Taufeeq Umar and Johann van der Wath in their ranks they may upset other teams in their bids to finish in the top four. Delhi could be at their most dangerous while playing for pride.

Where they rank

Mumbai languish at the bottom of the points table and even wins in their three remaining matches would not be enough to guarantee them a place in the semi-finals. With Chandigarh, Lahore and Ahmedabad all locked on four points, even the six points from the remaining three games would mean a tie for fourth with Lahore or Chandigarh, who are yet to play each other. Even then, on run-rate, the semis look a far shout.

Having played the top three teams in the table, the matches against Ahmedabad, Lahore and Chandigarh will be crucial for deciding who takes the last semis spot. At No. 7 with just two points, it is a tough ask considering that Dhaka have fizzled out when it mattered most, but certainly not improbable.

Form guide (most recent match first)

Mumbai Champs: LLLL
Dhaka Warriors: LWLL

Stats

• Dhaka hold the record for the highest margin of victory (in terms of runs) in the tournament - 142 against Delhi
• Michael Kasprowicz's one over against Lahore in the previous game, which cost 30, was the most expensive in ICL history

Alok Kapali has certainly been a revelation for Dhaka this tournament. Having hit the first hundred in ICL history against Hyderabad, he followed it up with a delectable 66 of 35 balls against the Royal Bengal Tigers. Currently on top of the batting chart with 202 runs at 50.50, he will certainly be the key if Dhaka are to make big strides forward.

With plenty of experience and capability to destroy any opposition with bat or ball, Mohammad Rafique hasn't warmed up to the ICL. But 1000 runs and 100 wickets in both Tests and ODIs for Bangladesh would be something no opponent would be discounting.

Quotes

"The bowlers need time to settle. They will come back harder and they all are playing after a long time"
Habibul Bashar reveals more on the weak link for the Dhaka Warriors