We will have to be at our best to beat Windies: Shakib

 

Bangladesh are in a familiar territory but skipper Shakib Al Hasan is taking nothing for granted ahead of their group B World Cup match against the West Indies here on Friday.

 

The two-time winners, who last toured the country way back in 2002, suffered a 0-3 whitewash against the same team at home in 2009, when the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) fielded a second-string team following a financial spat with leading players.

 

But according to Shakib, that's history.

 

"The West Indies did not have their main players in that series, but they are back now which makes them a very good side," he said.

 

"We will have to be at our best to beat them. I am confident we can win, but for that to happen we must play good cricket."

 

Bangladesh fought back after losing the tournament opener to India by 87 runs to beat Ireland by 27 runs despite being bowled out for a modest 205.

 

The West Indies too bounced back in style thrashing the Netherlands by a massive 215 runs in New Delhi on Monday, after the seven-wicket defeat to South Africa in their first game.

 

Shakib said Ireland's sensational win over England in Bangalore last night had thrown open the race for the quarterfinal berths.

 

"It definitely makes it wide open," Shakib said. "No team can afford to lose from here."

 

Unheralded Ireland stunned England by three wickets after Kevin O'Brien smashed the quickest century in World Cup history off 50 balls to help his team race past a daunting target of 328.

 

"I am not sure how much tougher the Irish win will make our chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals," said Shakib.

 

"It will benefit us only if we beat England next week. All I know is that we have to play well to win against any team."

 

Shakib said 300-plus scores would not be easy on the slow Sher-e-Bangla wicket, despite a high-scoring tournament opener.

 

"The wicket here is not that easy to bat on," he said. "I also think there will be more spin this time than in our previous two games."