Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza expressed his confidence of victory in the first match of the ICC World Cup 2015 against Afghanistan on Wednesday.

Bangladesh faced Afghanistan only once on March 1, 2014 in Asia Cup. Tigers lost that match by 32 runs.

While responding to a question whether that will be a pressure on tomorrow’s match, Mashrafe at a press conference in Canberra on Tuesday said, ‘Pressure is there in every international match. There is no meaning of any extra pressure over the match against Afghanistan. We have the capability to beat any strong team. Win or lose is the part of a game. There is no need for meaningless pressure.’

Commenting on the eye-catchy presence of youngsters in the team, Mashrafe said ‘Any big achievement comes from the hands of youngsters. Though they have not played a lot in the international level, they are positive in their attitude. They will do well if they can keep their mental strength up. Mushfiq, Tamim, Shakib did the same in 2007 World Cup.’

Shakib, Tamim and Mushfiq started their career few months before the 2007 World Cup. But their brilliant performance brought a historic win over India in the first match of that World Cup. 

Chasing 304 runs, Ireland have defeated West Indies on the third day of 2015 World Cup. Taking it positively, Bangladesh skipper said ‘Ireland have defeated West Indies chasing more than 300 runs. Of course it is an inspiration for us. Our boys will think that they can also play well like Ireland.’