'Rohit Sharma's wicket will be the key.'
India may be the outright favourites in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against Bangladesh but the defending champions will be under more pressure, former captains Mohammad Ashraful and Habibul Bashar said on Wednesday.
"Having come all the way, we badly don't want to miss out on a final spot now," Bashar, who led Bangladesh to their epic 2007 World Cup win over India at Port of Spain, said from Dhaka.
Bangladesh beat New Zealand in Cardiff in a sensational run chase to progress to the last four ahead of World champions Australia and the Kiwis.
"We have previously reached Asia Cup final. But no doubt this is the biggest moment in the history of Bangladesh cricket. It's like mini World Cup. India are the defending champions it's no secret that they will be under more pressure. We have an experienced side and we need a team effort," the current selector said.
The 44-year-old said their bowlers will hold the key but according him the biggest 'threat' will be India opener Rohit Sharma, whose 137 in their 2015 World Cup quarter-final, is still fresh in his mind.
"We not only need early breakthroughs but will have to ensure that we keep striking. I am a big fan of Rohit Sharma and his wicket will be the key," he said referring to Sharma's century.
Ashraful also said pressure would be on India and added only one-two percent separates both the teams.
"If Sri Lanka can beat them, why not us? From 33/4 we could win against the Kiwis. I'm sure they will give their best and the match will be a tough for both the teams," Ashraful said.
He further said Bangladesh have got under India's skin a few times in the recent past but not able to clinch the issue.
"It's still hard to believe the shocking one-run loss in the World Twenty20 last year. We have troubled them but India have won. Hopefully, it's our day tomorrow."
"For us this is our first semi-final and we are more than happy. But India have the weight of expectations from 1.3 billion people. It's for them to defend the title," Ashraful said.
