Can 13 be unlucky for Aussies?

Bangladesh face a daunting task as they begin their Cricket World Cup Super Eights campaign against two-time reigning champions Australia on Saturday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

The Tigers are having great time since booking a historic place in the second round but it would be a real test against the awesome Aussies who have proved too good for the other challengers after taming hosts West Indies in their first game.

Making the Super 8s is a significant step for Habibul Bashar's men who have to prove that they are not in this stage only to make up the numbers as expectation has gone high after stunning former world champions India and a win over debutants Bermuda to finish Group B runners-up that made sure they will play at least six more matches in the competition.

Bangladesh had began their build-up to the World Cup winning the warm-up limited-overs tri-series also involving Bermuda and Canada in this very Antigua but it would be a different ball game against the fierce force of Ricky Ponting and his men, who are on the track to win a hattrick of titles.

Although their last meeting with the Australians in a three-match series at home in April 2006 was not a happy one, they, however, proved once that their mighty opponents are not unconquerable.

Dav Whatmore's charges pulled off one of their biggest limited-over wins when they stunned the Aussies with a five-wicket victory at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff during a tri-nation series in 2005, thanks to a brilliant hundred from ace batsman Mohammad Ashraful. And it was this success that gave the Tigers the much-needed self belief that on their day, they have the ability to turn the table on the big ones.

This was their only victory in previous 12 encounters and everybody in Bangladesh will have their eyes on the number 13 to make it unlucky for the Aussies.