Razzak 'ready' for Gayle challenge

to not take a backward step when he comes up against Chris Gayle in Bangladesh's crucial game against West Indies on Friday, a game that could determine both teams' chances of making it to the knockout stages of the tournament. "It is difficult for a left-arm spinner to bowl to a left-hander," Razzak said. "But I can't sit and keep thinking about it. I have to move forward and irrespective of who is batting, whether it's Gayle or someone else, a good ball is good for all batsmen.

"I am absolutely ready to take on Gayle. There is no way you can take a step backwards or you could get pushed over. It does not help if you go on to the back foot."

Although not a star in the Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan mould, Razzak has been a constant in Bangladesh's success over the years. Twice in this World Cup, he has been called upon to bowl inside the first five overs, and on both occasions he has had some impact. That being the state of affairs, Razzak v Gayle promises to be a key contest.

Razzak's plan against Gayle? "No particular plan. The plan is always the same: maintaining a proper line and length, and using pace variation. I have tried to do well in both matches, but it has not worked yet. Hopefully I will come good against West Indies. Actually you cannot take wickets by force. But I will stick to my job and hopefully the wickets will come. There is no extra pressure."

Razzak is hoping he will get a track that will provide him more turn than the pitches in the first two games. "Hopefully we will get some turn on this pitch," Razzak said. "We did not get enough in the first two matches. This one looks like it is going to turn, but then you can't say for sure before you actually play on it."

Razzak sought to not take added pressure of this being a virtual play-off for quarter-finals. Especially considering this is the game that coach Jamie Siddons had pencilled as their third expected victory, to go with Ireland and Netherlands. "Actually every game in the World Cup is big, and it is not that we are just thinking of Ireland and Holland or for that matter West Indies. We are looking forward to all the matches."

One of those expected wins came the hard way, when Bangladesh had to put all their resources together to come back from behind and beat Ireland last Friday. Such wins can stir teams onto larger things, Razzak said. "A win like the way it came against Ireland makes a lot of difference to the team's morale. It was a pretty tight game. The first six overs were excellent, but then we lost our way in batting. But we came back strongly with the ball and it was very good for the team. Everyone contributed."