Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha expressed satisfaction with his team’s advancement to the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup, emphasising that they are content with their progress from a challenging group stage. He encouraged his players to approach the next phase with a sense of freedom and enjoyment, considering any further achievements in this stage as a bonus.
Hathurusingha aimed to alleviate the pressure of high expectations as Bangladesh prepares to face Australia in Antigua on June 21. Speaking to reporters on June 20, he reflected on their journey so far, noting, “Our primary goal entering the tournament was to reach the Super 8s. We've accomplished that with great effort, particularly with our bowlers keeping us competitive by effectively utilising the conditions.”
Looking ahead, Hathurusingha emphasised that the team is pleased with their current position and views their continued participation as a bonus. He stated, “Being here is already a success for us, and anything we achieve from this point forward is a plus. We plan to play with a lot of freedom and challenge all three teams to the best of our abilities.”
However, Hathurusingha clarified that playing with freedom does not equate to abandoning their responsibilities. He highlighted the importance of enjoying the game while adhering to their roles within the team. “We play this game to enjoy it. The joy of playing should always be present, but it doesn't give players a free pass to act outside their roles. Each player has a specific role, and they must fulfil it while enjoying the game, whether they are playing for their country or in a local park.”
Despite his past experience with New South Wales, Hathurusingha downplayed any advantage it might give against Australia. He acknowledged his familiarity with several Australian players but stressed that the outcome would hinge on how well his team adapts to the conditions on the day. He said, “Although I was with New South Wales a year ago and know many of their players well, this knowledge won’t significantly influence the game. The key factor will be the conditions, and our focus is on how we can turn them to our advantage.”
As Bangladesh heads into their Super 8s clash with Australia, Hathurusingha’s approach is clear: embrace the joy of playing, fulfil their roles, and leverage the conditions to compete effectively.