Big Picture

Canberra's streets are so quiet even during the day, you wonder when you might next spot some life around, forget coming to know that there is a World Cup in town. That will change next afternoon, when Bangladesh take on Afghanistan in both teams' tournament opener. Like all the four major South Asian teams, Bangladesh have plenty of support in Australia, particularly around Sydney, from where a lot of fans are expected to make the drive to Canberra.

Mashrafe Mortaza was optimistic of receiving backing from the stands during the match, but Bangladesh's form in the warm-ups has not generated the same confidence. The loss to Pakistan, albeit close, was not unexpected but the defeat to Ireland would have hurt. Bangladesh have trained hard post those losses, and Mortaza appreciated the efforts put in by his players.

The onus has to be on Bangladesh here, given they are the Full Member side with nearly 15 years of Test history. However, Afghanistan beat Bangladesh the only time they met them in the ODI format in the Asia Cup last March, and have taken down Zimbabwe twice in four meetings. The fact that all those three wins came at the home of the opposition is revealing too, and Afghanistan believe Australian conditions suit them better.

Ireland chasing 300-plus against West Indies in Nelson has already set an early standard for Associates in this World Cup, and not only Afghanistan, but Bangladesh are also taking that result as an inspiration. They know how hard it is going to be for them to beat two of Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Australia and England, which is why they cannot afford another slip-up against Afghanistan.