With top-order batters showing signs of returning to form, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is optimistic about their chances to reach the semifinals of the T20 World Cup. Despite suffering a 28-run defeat to Australia via the DLS method in their opening Super Eight match, Shanto believes his team can regain momentum against India in their next game at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Saturday.

Encouraging Performance Against Australia

Bangladesh’s top-order, including Shanto, managed to put up runs against Australia, providing a confidence boost despite the loss. Shanto led the team with 41 runs off 36 balls, while Towhid Hridoy added 40 off 28 balls. However, the team's total of 140-7 was insufficient as Australia reached 100-2 in 11.2 overs before rain halted play, leading to their win via the DLS method.

"The wicket was good, a bit slow, but we should have made at least 170," Shanto said. "It's very important for the top-order to get runs like we did today, that's a big boost and hopefully the bowlers will continue their form. Looking for a good show against India in our next match."

Crucial Match Against India

Bangladesh faces a must-win situation against India to keep their semifinal hopes alive. Historically, Bangladesh has struggled against India in T20Is, winning only one out of 13 matches. In T20 World Cup encounters, India has emerged victorious in all four matches between the two teams.

Despite the statistics, Bangladesh has always shown aggression and dedication in their matches against India, often producing thrilling contests. Shanto's confidence is bolstered by their performance on Antigua's pitch, which could give them an edge over India, who will have less time to adjust after traveling from Barbados.

 Squad Details

Bangladesh Squad:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
- Taskin Ahmed
- Litton Das
- Soumya Sarkar
- Tanzid Hasan Tamim
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Tawhid Hridoy
- Mahmud Ullah Riyad
- Jaker Ali Anik
- Tanvir Islam
- Shak Mahedi Hasan
- Rishad Hossain
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Shoriful Islam
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib

Travelling reserves:
- Afif Hossain
- Hasan Mahmud

India Squad:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Hardik Pandya (vc)
- Virat Kohli
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammed Shami
- Jasprit Bumrah

Bangladesh's ability to capitalize on their familiarity with the pitch and to maintain their top-order form will be crucial as they seek a vital victory against India.