Shanto hopes for Tigers’ top-order to fire

Mitchell Santner, possessing the experience of playing for the Indian Premier League team Chennai Super Kings, has enough knowledge on how slow bowlers can dictate terms at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, a venue which has a history of being conducive for spin-bowling.

Will the New Zealand left-arm spinner make the difference when his side meet Bangladesh in tomorrow's ICC World Cup encounter?

Bangladesh vice-captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who came to attend the pre-match press conference today, only disclosed that they have chalked out a plan for Santner.

"He is one of the best spinners I have faced so far. Definitely we have some plans for him," said Shanto.

When his attention was drawn to the Bangladesh batting line-up, where there are three left-handers who could counter left-arm spin with less difficulty, Shanto responded: "We are not thinking about it [of having left-handed batters in team]. We are actually looking forward to a good start. We must make a good start. Our four top-order batters must bat for a long time. It will help us if we can do that."

Bangladesh top-order batting, especially the contributions from the opening pair, has long been a big concern for the team. The worries resurfaced in their last match following a heavy defeat against the defending champions, England.

Shanto, however, was not willing to talk about their opening issues. "I think it's better not to think about opening," he said with a smile.

"Everybody is trying for the team. I hope we will get good runs from the top-order."