Shaikh Hasina inaugurates mini World Cup (25 October 1998)

25 October 1998

Shaikh Hasina inaugurates mini World Cup

By Hasan Saeed

DHAKA, Oct 24: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the International Cup cricket tournament at Bangabandhu National Stadium this afternoon.

Releasing a white pigeon and bunch of balloons, the Prime Minister declared the tournament open at 1:50 p.m.

She was later introduced to the players and officials of New Zealand and Zimbabwe teams, playing the inaugural match.

Earlier, ICC President Jogmohan Dalmia handed over a cheque of Tk five million to the Prime Minister for her relief fund.

South Africa, England: As South Africa and England clash in the first quarter-final of the International Cup tomorrow, both captains are confident to win the match to play the semi-final.

"We've to win ... we'll win," said South African captain Hansie Cronje who is without two regular specialist bowlers in Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock in the side.

After a practice session today, Cronje said despite the absence of some regular players, his squad has the ability to show all-round performance to snatch victory against England.

About his strategy to face the one-day specialist England team, he said it won't be of any special consideration.

"As Dhaka is an unknown venue for us, we'll formulate the strategy after watching Zimbabwe-New Zealand match... seeing how are the pitch, field and environment," the South African skipper said.

South Africa had a night practice at the games venue, Bangabandhu National Stadium, on Friday and its captain described the newly-installed floodlight as very good.

Calling the England team a "balanced" side, Cronje on Friday had said there is a 50:50 chance for both in the Sunday's first quarter-final.

England's captain Adam Hollioake also echoed his South African counterpart. "The match has a 50:50 chance. But we're confident to win," he said after a practice session today.

The South Africa-England match will begin at 2 p.m. at Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Source :: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)