T20 World Cup 2024: 'We Still Have Chances' - Bangladesh Pacer Taskin Ahmed Not Giving Up On Semi-Final Spot

Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed has not given up on his team's chances of qualifying for the semifinals of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 ahead of the Super 8 meeting against India at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua on Saturday (June 22).

Bangladesh, placed in Group 1 of the Super 8 along with India, Afghanistan, and Australia, suffered a defeat in their Super Eight opener against Mitchell Marsh-led side on Thursday (June 20).

Despite losing by a huge margin that saw them drop to the bottom of the Group 1 table due to -2.471 net run rate (NRR), the fast bowler asserted that he is hopeful that his national team can get back in the semi-final reckoning with a win the match against India.

"We still have chances. The wicket is good here. It won't be easy for sure. But we are not giving up hope. If we can win both matches, then we will have a chance to play the semi-final," Taskin said in the pre-match press conference.

"Even if there is rain in the next game and we get 1 point then still we will have a chance, if can win the last match. This one we lost we had a low total. They played aggressively and did well. We are hopeful that if we win the next match, it will be a different story."

After facing Australia on the same wicket in a night match, Taskin further stated that the wicket would be a bit better since the match against India would be played during the day.

"It's getting better than before. But we haven't played in the USA and here also at the beginning with such a batting-friendly wicket. Each venue has a different wicket. The challenge here is a bit different. The batsmen are a bit more favoured here," the pacer added.

"If we bat first, we have to score at least 170 or 180. The wicket will be a bit better since we'll play in the daytime. Even the challenge for the bowlers is more. The margin is small. We have to bowl more smartly. It won't be easy. But if we can execute our proper execution smartly, we can expect to win."

While he was not giving up hope on qualifying for the semi-final, Taskin acknowledged the monumental challenge his team faces against India, who he feels is one of the top teams and they have to do something extraordinary to win the match.

"Antigua and Barbados have good wickets. Other than that, in all the venues and also in the US, batsmen in all teams have struggled a lot. Although we can bat better than this. Unfortunately, we couldn't do it. But now, there is no benefit in saying that we couldn't do it," Taskin said.

Because the next match is very important. We have to do well in both batting and bowling. India is one of the top sides in the world. There is no doubt that they are a better team. We have to do something extraordinary if we want to play with them."