DHAKA, June 19, 2024 (BSS)- Bangladesh are looking forward to make a good start to the Super 8 phase of the T20 World Cup when they take on mighty Australia at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Friday. The match starts at 6.30 AM (Bangladesh Time).

It is only the second time that Bangladesh are able to move to the second round of the tournament. First time they achieved the feat was in the inaugural edition in 2007.

Since then, the T20 World Cup was all about the disappointment for Bangladesh fans. However scenario has changed in this edition, largely because of the condition, which suited Bangladesh's bowling so nicely. 

Such was their bowling might in this condition that they moved to the Super 8 phase without any significant contribution from the batters. Specially Bangladesh's top order was awful. 

In a condition like home out of home, Bangladesh started with a victory against Sri Lanka and thereafter conceded a four-run defeat to South Africa. They, however, even could win the game against the Proteas had the luck favours them slightly. The Tigers then beat Netherlands and Nepal convincingly to make it Super 8 phase. 

No doubt the Super 8 phase will test their mental and physical toughness but if the condition remains same, Bangladesh still will come favourite against Australia. In fact, in slow condition at home back in 2021, Bangladesh beat Australia by 4-1 in the five-match T20 series.

Still Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believes the batting conundrum should be fixed should they sneak any chance.

"I hope we can continue our bowling performance, not our batting. Hope our batting performance will be fine in the next round," Shanto, who himself has been in patchy form, said. 

"We are not scoring much but we know we can defend totals, if we can pick up early wickets. In T20Is, momentum is always important. We have to plan for the next round and execute our plans."

Bangladesh faced off Australia 10 times in T20 format and won four while losing six matches. In T20 World Cup, Australia still undefeated after winning all of the five matches between the two sides. 

Since the condition is in their favour, Bangladesh can hope to break the jinx this time around.

Shanto relied on their bowlers who has have been in tremendous form to get their first win against Australia in T20 World Cup.

"All the bowlers have worked really hard in the last two or three years. In this format, the bowling unit is very important and I hope they continue their form.
Squad:

Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Taskin Ahmed, Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shakib Al Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmud Ullah Riyad, Jaker Ali Anik, Tanvir Islam, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Travelling reserves: Afif Hossain, Hasan Mahmud.

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), David Warner, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserves: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Short.