Melbourne, March 18 (IANS) Middle-order batsman Suresh Raina has said India are not taking Bangladesh lightly ahead of their cricket World Cup quarterfinals clash at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here on Thursday.
“We are not taking Bangladesh lightly. Tomorrow is a big day for us. This is the quarterfinals and we have to win. One mistake and you can lose," Raina said at the customary pre-match press conference here on Wednesday.
"All we need to do now is be disciplined in all departments of the game, be positive and look to enjoy each and every ball from here on. I'm very excited to play the quarterfinals against Bangladesh."
The 28-year-old believes that the defending champions will do well against their neighbours, who have a 1-all record against India in World Cups.
"Bangladesh have done well against us. We lost against them in 2007 and they have had success against us in Asia Cup as well. But we are not thinking about such facts. We are looking at what we have to do tomorrow and what we have done in our league matches," said the southpaw.
"We just need to play positive cricket and we will do well. The main World Cup is going to start for us tomorrow."
Overall, India have beaten Bangladesh in 24 One-Day Internationals (ODI), lost three three and one ended in no-result.
Talking about the composure in the team, the left-handed batsman said that everyone is calm and focussed on the match ahead.
“Today when we were practicing there was a sense of calm. Everyone looked focused in the nets. We have won from this stage many times and it is important that there is that belief in the team," said the Ghaziabad-born.
"We know what to do when we wake up in the morning. We just need to apply ourselves, need to be disciplined and enjoy a lot on the field. The results will follow. There is belief in the team and we will play with zest tomorrow.”
Raina has struck form at the right time. He hit a brilliant 74 against Pakistan in India's World Cup opener and smashed his fifth century to bail India out and take them to victory against Zimbabwe in their final Pool B match.
“I have improved as a player. I have learnt a lot from M.S. Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif. They all played in the crucial middle order and I played a lot of matches with them. I now have an idea of the sort of batting I need to do in ODIs," said Raina, who also chipped in with a wicket against Ireland.
"I've become more mature after 2011, having played all big tournaments and crucial games. As a team as well we have come a long way and the credit goes to the support staff for bringing out the best from us."
Cyclone Yaas Storm Update: Cyclone Yas, which ravaged Jharkhand, devastated by heavy rains; Hundreds of trees fell
Cyclone Yaa's severe cyclone Yas entered Jharkhand at 2 pm. After this, the state is receiving heavy rains. Hundreds of trees have been broken due to strong winds. Many slums and kutcha houses have
MCG attracts record 93,013 attendance for World Cup final
Melbourne, March 29 (IANS) The World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here on Sunday broke the sport's attendance record with 93,013 people turning
Prince Philip Death: Prince Philip II's husband Prince Philip died at age 99
Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 99. The Roy Family said in a statement that it is to be informed with deep sorrow that the Queen's husband Prince Philip - Duke of
Gonda Train Accident: Horrifying scene seen after the accident, people shudder remembering the screams of the injured.
Time 2 pm. Everywhere in Pikaura village of Mankapur, there was a discussion about the train accident that happened on Thursday. Villagers shudder remembering the horrific scene, scattered bodies, and
A bus carrying CISF jawans was attacked in Jammu before PM Modi's visit, both terrorists were killed, ASI sacrificed
Two days before the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jammu, an encounter started between security forces and terrorists in the Sunjwan area of Jammu. Two terrorists of the
'We will make his Ram Naam Satya...', CM Yogi gave a strong message; Less talk, more results
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave a strong message to those challenging law and order in Baghpat and Aligarh. Said, 'Have you ever thought that your daughter and the businessman can go out safely
Jharkhand, IT Raid: Income Tax raids on the locations of Congress MLAs Anoop Singh and Pradeep Yadav
Income Tax raids on MLA Anoop Singh and Pradeep Yadav The Income Tax Department has started simultaneous raids on the premises of two Congress MLAs from Jharkhand Kumar Jaimangal alias Anoop Singh and
Haryana CM Manohar Lal advised the agitators, protest peacefully, do not disturb law and order
Chief Minister Manohar Lal said that everyone has the right to speak in the name of agitation, but it is not at all appropriate to adopt the path of violence. No one will be stopped from peaceful
Global Warming: Poor countries are facing heavy emissions by rich countries
Unforeseen conditions created by climate change are no longer a hidden fact. The whole world is facing them. There is also one side of this problem that the poor countries which have played the least
CSK vs SRH: Chennai registered its 50th win at Chepauk, Hyderabad got the biggest defeat in terms of runs.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gave a strong performance at their home ground MA Chidambaram Stadium and defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by a huge margin of 78 runs. For
