‘Confident that we will do well’

London, May 27 

Ajinkya Rahane is confident that if the team plays to its potential then it will be able to defend the Champions Trophy won in 2013.

“It (Champions Trophy) will be a great challenge. Each and every team has a great combination but if we can play to our potential, I am sure we will do well,” Rahane said after team’s practice session at the Lord’s ground.

Virat Kohli’s deputy stated that the mood in the dressing room has been upbeat after a good practice session.

“Mood (in the dressing room) has been really good. We had a fanstastic first practice session. The boys are having fun on the tour. It is important to have fun, gell together, enjoy each other’s success. A lot of boys are getting a feel of this ground and it’s great culture for the first time,” said Rahane.

For Rahane, training at the Lord’s became extra special as his best Test hundred came at the ‘Mecca of Cricket’ in a winning cause.

“It always feels really good to be back at the Lord’s. We have got good memories. Getting a hundred, winning a Test match and felt so happy finding my name on that honours board along with legends such as Rahul bhai and Dilip Vengsarkar. Every time, I enter the Lord’s, I get a positive vibe, walking through that Long Room, looking at the photographs of the legends,” he said. — PTI

Pakistan beat Bangladesh by two wickets

Birmingham: Pakistan beat Bangaldesh by two wickets in a thrilling last-over win in the ICC Champions Trophy warm-up match on Saturday. Fahim Ashraf made a blistering 64 runs off 30 balls while Hasan Ali scored 27off 15 balls to take the team home. Pakistan were struggling at 168/5 after Bangladesh set up a target of 342 runs.

Brief scores: Bangladesh: 341/9 in 50 overs (T Iqbal 102,I Kayes 61; J Khan 4/73,H Ali 2/58); Pakistan: 342/8 in 50 overs (S Malik 72, F Ashraf 64*, H Ali 27*; M Hasan 2/30). — Agencies