‘I feel the team progressed immensely’

While the media and fans are furious over Bangladesh's performance in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup where the Tigers are virtually out of the contention for the semi-final spot followed by the three consecutive defeats in the Super 12 stage, head coach Russell Domingo is keen to focus on the positives before heading into their fourth game against South Africa in Abu Dhabi today.

Bangladesh faced narrow defeats against Sri Lanka and West Indies where the Tigers were totally outplayed against England in the second game. Despite the huge criticism over the coaching staff and the players, Domingo reminded that his charges have taken big strides in the shortest format over the last few months.

 "We know it's a national sport and the results are massively important. The team has had a fantastic win-record in T20Is in the last 12 months and we won some big series. I think it'd be very harsh to judge the team based on two narrow losses against two previous world champions. We are by no means the finished article in this format.

 "I know there's criticism about certain players and certain aspects of the coaching staff, but I feel the team has progressed immensely. From being ranked No 11 in the world to becoming ranked No 6 in eight months, is a big achievement for Bangladesh cricket. But we know we are a long way from where we need to be. But it's not going to happen overnight. There's another World Cup in a year's time so things have to be put in place," Domingo told the media during the pre-match press conference yesterday.

Bangladesh is yet to register a win in the main round of the ICC T20 World Cup since 2007 and with two more games remaining in the Super 12 stage, Domingo is optimistic about rewriting history.

"Bangladesh have only won one game in the second phase of the T20 World Cup, ever. There's an opportunity to improve on that record, to try to win the two games. It'll be a big stepping stone for us," said Domingo.

The 47-year-old further pointed out the fact that Bangladesh came into the World Cup with the youngest average age for the players where he added that it is normal for the youngsters to make mistakes on a big occasion.

Despite losing the first game against Australia by five wickets, the Proteas bounced back well and registered wins over West Indies and Sri Lanka. With the experience of working as the head coach of South Africa for a long time, Domingo informed that the Tigers are eyeing to exploit the weaknesses of the Proteas batters against the spinners today.

 "They are playing well at the moment. Having worked in South Africa for a long time myself, we know there's always a question mark in the way they play spin. Hopefully, the conditions will help us tomorrow," Domingo concluded.