‘Exploiting home conditions won’t give a long-term benefit’

Bangladesh's poor performances in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup have raised many questions about the methods that the team management employed to improve in the shortest format of the game.

Many opined that preparing slow and low pitches at home had an adverse effect on the Tigers' game while others blamed a lack of skills and a poor approach from the players for continual disappointment.

Bangladesh were totally outplayed once again as they crashed to a fourth consecutive loss in the Super 12 stage, this time being bundled out for just 84 runs by South Africa en route a six-wicket defeat.

South Africa pace-bowling legend Dale Steyn, who closely monitored yesterday's game from the commentary box, opined that Bangladesh needed to play more matches away from home to improve in the shortest format of the game.

"Look I can't remember the last time Bangladesh played T20s against South Africa away from home. If you want to improve as a team in this format or any format, you have to play more matches away from your home," Steyn told The Daily Star after the game yesterday.

"If you keep playing in the comforts of home and exploiting home conditions, it won't give you a long-term benefit. When Bangladesh play outside their comfort zone, they will gain more experience and exposure and will realise what to do in such situations."

The 38-year-old also believes Bangladesh have the potential to become a better unit.

"Bangladesh are a very good side no doubt, but things are not going their way this tournament. Obviously, it's a huge disappointment for the fans. You have got some very good players and I believe Bangladesh can be a better T20 team in the coming days."