'A big opportunity'

Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha said that Thursday's ICC Champions Trophy semifinal against India would be just another game in the context of the tournament, but added that it would be an opportunity for his boys to show the world what they are capable of.

He also ruled out the game as some sort of revenge after that 2015 World Cup quarterfinal loss against India where a couple of decisions went against the Tigers.

"There is no feeling of revenge. It's about playing a good game against India. We are thinking of competing and doing our best," said the Bangladesh coach, adding that his boys were ready for the brand of fearless cricket that they have been playing since the 2015 World Cup down under.

"The mood is very good. We are very relaxed. We are looking forward to the game. At the start of the tournament I said that whatever we will achieve is going to be big and so we are very happy about where we are and the way we have played so far," he told reporters after the morning training session.

Skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza even found the time to fool around with his coach. PHOTOS: BCB/REUTERS

"For everyone, including the coaching staff, it's the first time and our aim is to go and express ourselves. It's not a very big game; it's a very big opportunity. So, for both the seniors and the juniors my message is to grab this opportunity with both hands," said the inspirational Bangladesh coach.

He however refused to make any comment on Kumar Dharmasena, a regular feature in Indian games, as one of the two umpires for the semifinals.

The coach admitted that experimenting with the batting order was something he should not have done.

"I should admit that we strayed from our original plan in one game. I take the blame. But we still back our initial thought that we need to give players enough opportunity to get used to certain places. He [Sabbir Rahman] has got limited opportunities to prove [himself] and deserves more opportunities."

His comment indicated that Bangladesh are going to field the same eleven that pulled off a famous five-wicket against New Zealand.

"That's the biggest challenge [settling on a combination] we had. We knew we had good enough skills. We have a good combination in place -- a good combination of youth and experience," Hathurusingha said, reflecting on that remarkable turnaround against the Black Caps after being reduced to 33 for four chasing 266.

He said Bangladesh's progress to the semifinal was a reward for steady progress both at home and abroad.

"It was a gradual improvement if you look at our progress over the last two years. The World Cup was the big turning point for us. We went to the quarterfinals by beating England. Then we set a target to do well at home and we have achieved that. And for the last year or so we set our target of doing well overseas. And coming all the way to play the semifinal is a big step for us," the coach observed.

He said Bangladesh are still a developing team but also a unit not afraid of anyone.

"We are very confident. We don't want to think who our opposition is but we want to maximise our potential to give ourselves the best chance," he said, adding that India are still one of the favourites to win the title.

"To be honest not many people will give us a chance to win against India. They are a good team but if we can beat them it will be a very good achievement for us," he said.