Tigers to challenge all three teams in Super 8s

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha said the Tigers have reached their initial target of reaching the Super Eight stage of the ongoing Twenty20 World Cup, but believes they will challenge the opponents Australia, India and Afghanistan to achieve furthermore in this global event.

Bangladesh were pitted in a relatively tough pool comprising South Africa, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands and Nepal in Group D, but won three games out of four to seal a spot in the Super Eight.

It could have been four out of four had they managed to win the close encounter against the Proteas where they lost by just four runs and the match was decided in the last ball.

Now Bangladesh are in Group A alongside two former champions in Australia and India and a strong Afghanistan side.

They will face the Aussies in their first Super Eight clash at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua Thursday local time.

“When we came into the tournament, our first target was to get into this Super 8. So, I think we achieved that target which is great, what can I say, our bowlers kept us in the game? So, we played the conditions really well, used the conditions in our favor,” said Hathurusingha during the press conference on the eve of their match against Australia.

“So going forward for us, being here (in Super Eight), we're very happy to be here. And then anything from here for us is a bonus. So, we play with a lot of freedom. And we are going to challenge all three teams the best we can,” he added.

Hathurusingha admitted that the brilliant performances from the bowling unit have kept them alive in this tournament whereas the batters, particularly the top-order, have really struggled.

But the Antigua pitch seems more batting-friendly compared to Saint Vincent as, in the first Super Eight game here, South Africa scored 194 and USA posted 176 in reply.

Bangladesh are aiming to get off to a strong start and hoping that their batting will click against a world-class Aussie bowling attack.

“The plan against any team is, we want to start strongly whether it's batting or bowling. But lately the pitches have been very challenging for batsmen in many places. And it's very hard to read the pitches as well,” said Hathurusingha.

“We thought in St. Vincent the pitches were good, and then it turned out to be very difficult. And more bowler-friendly, not only pace or spin, both. It was hard for the batters. So, our plan is to actually have a good start whether we bat or bowl.”

After the match against Australia in Antigua, the Tigers will play against India at the same venue before moving to Saint Vincent for their last Super Eight game against Afghanistan at Arnos Vale Stadium.