Plenty at stake for buoyant Bangladesh

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The Big Picture

Bangladesh have said the right things in the aftermath of a stunning win over England that has kept their quarter-final prospects alive. Though the euphoria of that thriller is yet to die down among the public, who've reacted to that performance by showering rewards upon the players, the coach and the team have their feet firmly on the ground. In what has proved the more competitive and the more interesting group this competition, the race for a place in the final eight remains wide open, the doors completely shut only on Netherlands. But the Dutch are out to ruin a party or two, and in their upcoming games against Bangladesh and Ireland, they meet two teams they would have had a realistic expectation of beating at the start of the World Cup.

The Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons has warned against complacency. He has admitted beating South Africa - Bangladesh's last game in the group stage - will be difficult, making the Netherlands fixture a virtual must-win encounter. Their net run-rate of -1.241 is also a concern, one that can be offset with wins in their remaining matches. And there is a good chance their fate rests on the mercy of other results, given overcoming South Africa is likely to be an uphill task. England drifting out of contention with a loss to West Indies and Ireland being shut out by South Africa will open up possibilities for Bangladesh.

While Netherlands are capable of springing a surprise, they'll know they are up against a superior team based on performance. And their task will be made more difficult by their inexperience in Bangladesh conditions, with the slow and low pitch and the hosts' arsenal of spinners presenting a daunting challenge. After inflicting an upset, Bangladesh have reason to believe. But to be at the receiving end of one tomorrow will be a slip-up that will leave them an endangered species in Group B.

Form guide

(completed matches, most recent first)