Tigers reach Antigua with top-order batting firmly in focus

The Tigers will first meet Australia Friday at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

At the same venue, they will then face former champions India Saturday.

Bangladesh qualified for the Super 8 stage of the tournament after defeating Nepal by 21 runs in their last Group D game in Saint Vincent.

Winning three games out of four to make it to the next round was doubtful, for the side had entered the 20-nation tournament on the back of a series loss against USA and with huge concerns with the batting department.

Bowling has been key to the side’s success so far in the ongoing world event and with the sun yet to shine on the batters, particularly the top-order, doubts are high on their survival against former world champions in India and Australia.

Bangladesh captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto is among the underperforming batting group having scored just 26 runs in four matches.

The left-handed batter has reached double digit only once, 14 against South Africa.

Against Nepal, Bangladesh were bundled out for 106 on a bowling friendly surface at the Arnos Vale in Saint Vincent.

Stating the batting performance “unacceptable”, Shanto said: “It is not possible for the bowlers to win you matches every day. We expect them to do this for us but it’s unfair for them to do well in every game. The batting unit has responsibility as well. Everyone is trying to be honest but not getting the result, but this cannot be a reason. It is not acceptable. To be honest the pitch [against Nepal] was conducive for scoring 140 or 150 but we couldn’t and of course it is a concern for us.”

Shanto said most wickets in the T20 World Cup this time are not batting-friendly but that cannot mask the concerns with the batting department.

Speaking on his personal performance, the Bangladesh skipper informed that he is worried and that it is not good for the team.

“Of course it is a concern [my own batting]. It is not right to the team. It is important for us to get good start which we are failing to do. We are not being able to finish well as well. We need to get out from this problem soon. We must minimize the mistakes in the next round,” he said.