The heartbreaking one-run loss against hosts India in Bangalore still haunts the Bangladesh cricketers. The team members during a conversation often end up talking about the game only to see someone interrupt and change the topic.
And if the highlights of the Super 10 tie is shown on television, one of them instantly hunts for the remote and switches the channel straight away.
The Tigers are desperate to erase the bitter memories of the defeat and aiming to end their 2016 World Twenty20 campaign on a high when they take on New Zealand in their last match today at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
However, Eden Gardens does not hold good memories for the Tigers. Having qualified for the main round after defeating the Netherlands and Oman in the first round, Bangladesh were up against Pakistan in their Super 10 opener in Kolkata. Pakistan dominated the Bangladesh bowlers on their way to a 200+ total.
In reply, the Tigers could master only 146 as Pakistan strolled to a 55-run win.
The grassy wickets at the historic venue often mislead the teams. The venue has hosted three matches in the tournament so far and only the India-Pakistan encounter did not witness 150+ totals.
The Bangladesh bowlers will need to find something extra to puncture the aggression of the Kiwi batsmen who have posted challenging totals in all of their three Super 10 matches. Rocked by the suspensions of fast bowler Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny, the Tigers put up a commendable display against the hosts.
And at Eden Gardens today, all-rounder Shakib al Hasan will be expected to lead the bowling attack again after a fine show against the Indians. Alongside Afghanistan spinner Mohammad Nabi, Shakib is the leading wicket-taker of the competition with 10 scalps and the left-handed all-rounder will be eager to register an economical spell at the home of the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.
The real challenge though will rest with the Bangladesh batsmen. New Zealand batted first in all of their three matches and brilliant bowling efforts, led by left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, saw them defend their tallies every time. Their best performance perhaps came against the home side when they skittled out the mighty Indian batting line up for just 79. Santner was the hero that day with four wickets coming at the expense of only 11 runs, the second best bowling figure in the Super 10 phase of the 2016 edition.
In-form opening batsman Tamim Iqbal should lead the way with the willow. With 292 runs from five games, the southpaw is the highest scorer of the tournament and would very much like to end on a bright note. Shakib, Sabbir Rahman and Mahmudullah will have to make sure the innings is on track.
On the other hand, the game will offer the Kiwis a chance to test different combinations. With three straight wins, they have already qualified for the semi-finals so today’s game will be a mere formality for the high-flying Kiwis.
