Top 5: Thoughts on the India v Bangladesh match

India take on Bangladesh at the MCG this very afternoon, in a game that will decide which team will progress to the semi finals of the Cricket World Cup.

Taking some time to view the game as a Cricket lover, there are a number of issues around it that immediately spring to mind. 

5. This game is good for Cricket
While being a cricket tragic, I don't actually know a lot about Bangladeshi cricket. 

For instance, I'm not sure if Bangladesh have ever played at the MCG before this World Cup.  I can recall them playing a 2- Test Series in the Northern Territory against Australia many years ago in which Steve Waugh managed to become one of the first players to score a century against every Test-playing nation, but little else.


Comparing that series to this game is a great example of how this game is great for cricket.  Not only is an unsuccessful team in the finals, but they are getting 'big game' experience against a very successful side at (arguably) the biggest venue in cricket.

Moving away from that feel good story, a game involving India at the MCG in the Cricket World Cup finals is sure to involve a lot of fans going and watching the game on TV.  And that means more money for the game.  Hopefully.

4. This game is bad for Cricket
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been making a lot of statements around this World Cup about whether it is the last tournament of its kind, or even whether the format will be reduced to only include Test playing nations.  Obviously this is a bad idea for growth and the game at large.

A Quarter Final involving India is the minimum that the ICC (read: BCCI) would accept and the structuring of this tournament has almost guaranteed it. 

One could certainly argue that improvements could be made to the tournament, though it will be hard to convince the ICC to make them if they pose any risk of all of India not making (at least) the Semi Finals.

3. The atmosphere will be the best of the Quarter Finals
For anyone in Melbourne who doesn't have plans after 2:30 today, it would be well worth your while getting to the MCG to take in the atmosphere of the game, even if you aren't a cricket fan.

The Indian and Bangladeshi fans are some of the loudest and most enjoyable going around, and with over 50,000 of them expected at this game; it is sure to have a cracking atmosphere.

These guys, they make noise.

 Compare this prospect to the low turn out of the South Africa v Sri Lanka game last night (even though the Sri Lankan crowd were in full voice) and the prospects of the Australia v Pakistan (though the Pakistani crowd is sure to show the Australian fans how to support their team) and  New Zealand v West Indies (bring back the steel dums!) games, and its sure to be a hoot.

2. There will be a lot of runs
It has been well documented that India has, arguably, the best and most balanced batting line up in the World Cup.  One of their openers has 2 (that's TWO) ODI double-centuries to his name and the level of talent doesn't really start tapering off until you pass their wicket-keeper, who can also bat a bit.

Bangladesh, similarly are no slouches in wielding the willow, and will relish the Indian bowling attack which, while being decent, they will see as threatening as Englands.

I can look at this for hours.

1. The losers tag is already prepared
India are expected to win this game, and easily.  If they don't; they will be labelled as weak, questions will be raised about their bowling attack (and possibly their mental state) and effigies of the players / management will be burned.

I've always thought their was good money to be made in the effigy building business.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, are expected to lose and will be labelled as 'valiant competitors' or some such in the outcome if they do.  It's doubtful effigies will be burned, which, is a good environmental outcome at least.