Bangladesh Captain Shanto Admits Batting Woes, Vows Improvement

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has expressed concern over his team's batting performance in the T20 World Cup, acknowledging that they have underperformed in the Super Eights stage. Despite their impressive group stage showing, Bangladesh suffered a 28-run DLS defeat to Australia in their opening Super Eight fixture.

"The next two matches are crucial," Shanto said at the post-match press conference. "We have a lot to gain from them. If we can win them, we will be in a better position. We will play to win every match."

Bangladesh's batting woes continued against Australia, as they managed only 140/8 in their 20 overs. Shanto admitted that the team's batting has been a major concern.

"Yes, there was a big difference in the conditions because last match there was a lot of spin and also seam, but today the wicket looked flat... a very good wicket to bat on," Shanto said. "I think we didn't bat well. We should have targeted 160 to 170."

"As a player, we had to adjust, but we couldn't execute with that new ball, especially in the power play," he added. "We couldn't finish the last five-six overs, and we lost too many wickets. If we had ended well, we could have scored a proper 160 or 170."

Despite their struggles, Bangladesh remains hopeful of turning things around. They face India in their next Super Eight match, a crucial encounter that could determine their chances of reaching the semi-finals.

"Everyone has the capability, and people have played well in different places in the past," Shanto said. "But I do not have an answer to why this is not happening. Everyone has the freedom to play their natural game, but somehow it is not happening."

Tags: #T20WorldCup, #Bangladesh, #NajmulHossainShanto, #BattingStruggles, #SuperEights