Bangladesh need to be realistic about WC chances: Athar Ali

Dhaka, Jan 30 (IANS) Former Bangladesh captain Athar Ali Khan, on Friday, stated that the country needs to be realistic about the team's chances in the World Cup, starting February 14.

"I know about the expectations 16 crore people have from our cricket team, but it has to be realistic. We must take our opponents into consideration," Khan was quoted as saying by the Dailystar.

"They are capable of winning matches against any team. But see, even India is struggling in Australia after playing four Test matches, so we have to be realistic."

Khan also said the team needs to take one game at a time.

"Right at this moment I am not looking beyond Feb 18 (first game). We need to win our first game against Afghanistan and after that many things can happen in favour of the Tigers," he said.

The 52-year-old also believes that given the talent that the team has with the world's best all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and batsman Tamim Iqbal leading the pack, they would surely put up a fight in the quadrennial tournament.