After a heartbreaking 1 run loss to India on Wednesday night, Bangladesh finished their race to a semi-final berth and today (Saturday) they will face unbeaten New Zealand in their last group match of ICC World Cup T20 at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata.
Bangladesh team already knocked out from the World Cup event losing the group match as they suffered a 55-run defeat to Pakistan and lost to Australia by three wickets. On the other hand, the Black Caps are guaranteed a place in next week's semi-finals after defeating India, Australia and Pakistan in their first three matches in the group stages.
The match represents Tigers' last chance before returning home with something after these defeats. Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza now has to pick his team up off the floor. He said after the last match against India, "Obviously being professional players we have to take it and play hard cricket in the last match. Obviously if we can do something in Eden Gardens then we can take something back home."
Bangladesh played two matches in Bangaluru. Bangladesh bowlers bowled well in these two matches. But this time the venue is in Kolkata.
About the pitch condition Mashrafe said before the last group match, "If I talk about Bangaluru pitch I must say it was difficult for us. But our bowlers bowled really well. We played some good cricket there. There was no option to choose. Here, the wicket of Eden is turning pitch for spinners. It was also good opportunity for New Zealand because they have some good quality spinners. Both teams will be benefited for this turning issue."