One of the giants of the ICC Cricket World Cup will meet a tournament surprise packet when India takes on Bangladesh in a Quarter-Final at the MCG.
Bangladesh is through to the final eight after shocking England and sending a scare through New Zealand, while India is circling the silverware after winning its tenth-straight World Cup encounter.
It sets up a mouth-watering final at the home of cricket – the MCG – and it’s yet another chance for Victoria to maintain its status as the major events capital of Australia and the sporting capital of the world.
A near-record crowd of 86,876 packed the MCG to watch India defeat South Africa in the Pool Match stage – the second-highest One Day International attendance at the ground behind the 1992 World Cup crowd (87,182).
The Indian and Bangladeshi communities of Melbourne are expected to turn out in their droves, but so too are the many international tourists visiting Victoria for the ICC World Cup, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Melbourne Fashion Festival.
India is an important trade partner and key tourism market for Victoria. Tourism growth figures in 2014 improved by 17 per cent on the year prior.
The eyes of the cricketing world will be on the MCG when Melbourne hosts the final on March 29, but in the meantime, Mohammad Mahmudullah and Bangladesh will be out to halt the dual World Cup winner’s momentum and stop leading Indian run-scorer Shikhar Dhawan in his tracks.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, John Eren
“International cricket at the MCG is always a sight to behold, but an ICC World Cup quarter-final involving the passionate Indian and Bangladeshi cricketing communities is particularly exciting.”
“Indian fans from Victoria and beyond ensured their country’s win against South Africa was a breathtaking event, and this clash promises to be no different.”
“This is an important occasion for our state. It highlights our strong trade partnerships, our crucial tourism links, and, above all, our renowned passion for sport and major events.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020