2024 T20 World Cup qualification scenarios: Have Bangladesh been knocked out of the semifinals race after their Super 8 loss to India?
Bangladesh slumped to their second consecutive loss in the Super 8 stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup on Saturday (June 22). India registered a clinical 50-run victory against them at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua. Bangladesh also suffered a loss against Australia earlier.
The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side had a decent run in the group stage, where they stacked up three wins from four games. They beat Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands but lost to South Africa in the preliminary round.
They came into the Super 8 with momentum after two victories. However, it was a tough draw for them as they found themselves in Group 1 with India, Australia, and Afghanistan. Bangladesh's batting unit let them down in their first Super 8 match against Australia in Antigua, where they scored only 140/8 on a decent batting surface in the first innings.
Australia then raced to 100/2 in 11.2 overs before rain intervened in the proceedings. As play was not possible again, match officials declared the Aussie team winners by 28 runs via the DLS method.
Bangladesh's batting woes continued against India as they failed to give a fight in the chase of 197, scoring only 146/8 in 20 overs. After two heavy losses, they currently have a poor net run rate of -2.489, with one match left to play. They are not officially knocked out of the tournament but are on the verge of it.
The chances of reaching the semi-finals are very slim and dependent on the results and win/loss margins of other teams in the group. Bangladesh will be hoping for Australia to lose both their remaining matches against India and Afghanistan. They will then have to beat the Afghan side by a significant margin. The Bangla Tigers could then reach semis if their net-run rate goes above that of Australia and Afghanistan.
"We didn't show much intent in chasing a 190 plus target" - Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto after loss against India in 2024 T20 World Cup
At the post-match presentation after the loss against India, Najmul Hossain Shanto reviewed his team's performance, saying:
"We were thinking 160 or 170, which would've been good for us but credit to their batters. I don't think so, all the players are accustomed to this kind of weather, not an issue. We have lot of batting options, but we didn't show much intent in chasing a 190 plus target, especially in the first six overs."
Shanto continued:
"I try to contribute every game, but I like to finish games. Last couple of years, all the pace bowlers have done good job. Tanzim has done well this tournament and not to forget Rishad, luckily we have got a leg spinner."
Bangladesh will face Afghanistan in their final Super 8 match on June 25 at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent.