Tigers live in hope

Following their agonising five-run defeat against India, Bangladesh’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup in Australia dimmed down to almost zero.

But following South Africa’s defeat to Pakistan, that dimming light has found some life back as the Tigers can mathematically still make it to the semis if they beat Pakistan.

Both Bangladesh and Pakistan sit on four points, while South Africa sit second in the table with five. If the Proteas lose or their match against Netherlands is washed out, Bangladesh will need to beat Pakistan to qualify for the semis as then the Tigers would have three wins, more than South Africa and Pakistan’s two.

The equation is completely mathematical, but as long as there is a chance, Bangladesh will keep hoping. There’s a downside to the equation too as South Africa will take on the Dutch before the Tigers meet Pakistan, meaning they will know their fate early.

On Friday’s practice in Adelaide, the Bangladesh team seemed to be in a good mood as they enjoyed themselves on the pitch ahead of their must-win clash.

Taskin Ahmed, the in-form pacer for Bangladesh in this World Cup, hoped for a miracle on Sunday.

“All the matches in this group (group 2) have been interesting. Anything can happen. A miracle can happen. Our only target is to go into the final match with the same spirit, to play well and win. If we can win, then we will see how the equation pans out. Our target is to win the match,” Taskin told the media in Adelaide after their practice session.

He added, “There are a lot of equations (for Bangladesh to go through to the semis). Our target is to win. Whether that will take us to the semis, I can’t tell. But our goal is to win.”

Pakistan found some groove to beat South Africa convincingly and Taskin accepted the fact that Pakistan are ahead of them.

“They (Pakistan) are ahead of us. Everyone knows they are the better team. Our target is to improve. We are not a great team yet, but we will be,” he said.

Accepting that, the fast bowler said he believed anything can happen in the shortest format.

“It’s difficult to predict a T20I match. Anything can happen. One over can shift the momentum. If we, the bowlers, can do well and restrict them within 150-160, then it can be chased down. And if we bat first and put on a good total, we can defend it. If we play good cricket, we can win, we have that hope,” the pacer said.

Taskin also spoke of taking inspiration from giving India a run for their money, and said their primary target right now is to keep improving.

“Our goal on both individual and team level is to improve. We are learning and trying to improve. We are playing better cricket now. We are not a great team yet, especially in T20Is. Our goal is to improve and become a better team in the future,” he said.

Bangladesh might see their fates sealed even before a ball is bowled in their match in Adelaide on Sunday. But that doesn’t take away their hope. And until there’s hope, as it seems, Bangladesh will keep fighting to make the dream a reality.