(Reuters) – Facts and figures relating to the Group B World Cup match between Bangladesh and West Indies (0900 GMT) at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur on Friday.
Head-to-head record:
West Indies lead 11-3 (NR: 2)
In the sub-continent: West Indies lead 5-0
In the World Cups: West Indies lead 2-0 (NR: 1)
* West Indies have a clean record against Bangladesh in the World Cups as well as in the sub-continent. Betting odds favour a West Indies win but one can almost sense a potential upset. Going in Bangladesh’s favour is: their 3-0 win the last time these teams met in a bilateral series, that too in the Caribbean; the home support in Dhaka; the sub-continental conditions favouring spinners and the relative spin attacks.
* Bangladesh (WLWWW) have lost only two games — against India in the World Cup opener and against Zimbabwe in December 2010 — in the last 10 they have played. In their last match, Shafiul Islam (4-21) blew the Irish tail away once the spinners had played their part.
* West Indies (WLLLL) broke their eight-match losing sequence by finally defeating Netherlands. First Chris Gayle played an uncharacteristically patient knock, then Kieron Pollard smashed 60 off 27 balls before Kemar Roach topped it with a hat-trick. They will need to rely on their fast bowling options to expose the Bangladeshi batsmen.
* Mirpur is where Bangladesh have an enviable record of having won half their matches. Although it usually favours sides batting second, during the World Cup teams batting first have emerged triumphant. Hence it would not be surprising if the captain who wins the toss elects to bat.
