Press Trust of India
Kolkata, March 25: Shaken after losing to India in a cliffhanger, a demoralised Bangladesh will look to end their campaign on a high when they face a rampaging New Zealand in an ICC World Twenty20 dead rubber at Eden Gardens here Saturday.
Their epic one-run loss Wednesday from the jaws of victory against India ended the semifinal hopes of the spirited Bangladesh team as they’re winless from three matches.
The Black Caps, who have already sealed a final four berth, on the other hand, would look to top Group 2 with an all-win record as they have emerged from being a ‘lesser team’ to the team to beat in the sixth edition of the World T20.
With their contrasting campaigns, Mashrafe Mortaza’s men will seek a consolation win and restore some pride but it remains to be seen whether the Black Caps take their foot off the gas ahead of the knockouts.
The Bangladesh skipper, however, admitted while talking to reporters here Friday that the loss against India is still hurting the team. “We’ve never lost a game like this,” Mortaza stated.
“We have to play our best again shaking off the effects of the last game. If we get the opportunity, we have to make sure we don’t repeat the same mistakes. The conditions are similar but the wicket is different. New Zealand are on top clearly, whereas we lost all three. We will try our best,” added Mortaza.
In spite of not being able to deliver for the Bangladesh fans, Mortaza however, promised ‘hard’ cricket. “We have to take something back home for them,” stated Mortaza. “And a win would be the best possible present.”
Meanwhile, even though the Bangladesh cricketers skipped nets, the Kiwi cricketers had an extended session in the afternoon. It just demonstrated how serious they are about their campaign and that they would leave nothing to chance even though the Black Caps have already qualified for the semifinals.
