Bangladesh coach Whatmore eyes Champions Trophy spot

DHAKA, Aug 18 (Reuters) Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore is hoping his team can qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy in India in October.

''We have a reasonable chance to do well and qualify in the Champions Trophy and that is our number one objective now,'' Whatmore told reporters at Dhaka airport on their return from a tour of Africa today.

Bangladesh beat Kenya 3-0 in a one-day international series last week after losing 3-2 to Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh will play Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe in the qualifying phase of the Champions Trophy between October 7 and 15.

''We are in the playoff and we need to put our best foot forward,'' Whatmore said.

The top two teams will qualify for the main competition from October 15 to November 5.

''We have to beat Zimbabwe, preferably Sri Lanka and West Indies or one of these two and it seems not very unrealistic though we have to work hard,'' Whatmore said.

REUTERS PM SSC1345