Aoba Tanaka 
As Bangladesh gears up to face Australia in the T20 World Cup Super 8s, head coach Chandika Hathurusingha remains unfazed by the pressure, emphasizing the importance of playing with freedom and enjoying the game. Speaking to reporters on June 20, Hathurusingha reflected on Bangladesh’s journey and their outlook moving forward.
“When we came into the tournament, our first target was to get into this Super 8. I think we achieved that with great… what can I say, our bowlers kept us in the game? So, we played the conditions really well, used the conditions in our favor,” Hathurusingha noted. He highlighted the team’s resilience in emerging from a tough group, expressing contentment with their progress so far.
Looking ahead to the semifinal clash against Australia in Antigua on June 21, Hathurusingha stressed the significance of playing without the burden of expectations. “Going forward for us, being here, we’re very happy to be here. And then anything from here for us is a bonus. So, we play with a lot of freedom. And we are going to challenge all three teams the best we can,” he stated.
However, Hathurusingha clarified that playing with freedom doesn’t equate to abandoning team roles. “This game, why we start playing this game? To enjoy. So that fact of enjoyment, we don’t take it away from the players,” he explained. “How big is the game? That doesn’t mean that they have free license to go and do whatever they want. They have a particular role to play in the team and to do that role is yes, they have freedom and then enjoyment always, whether we play for your country or club cricket or park cricket… that’s why we start playing this game. So, the enjoyment factor is always at our forefront, but they have to do their role for the team.”
Despite his previous stint with New South Wales, Hathurusingha downplayed any strategic advantage from his familiarity with some Australian players. “12 months ago I was there (NSW) with them. I know a lot of the guys, they’re very good players and they’re very confident about their own game. We know a lot about their strengths and limitations, [but] that’s not going to help much. On the day, the condition is the biggest factor in this game. So, our focus is on how we use that condition to our advantage,” he added.
Bangladesh’s journey in the T20 World Cup has already been a testament to their tenacity and skill, and Hathurusingha’s approach underscores a balanced mix of strategic focus and unbridled passion for the game. As they prepare for their next challenge, fans can expect Bangladesh to play with both heart and discipline, embodying the true spirit of cricket.
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