Can the Tigers break the shackles?
Despite the fact that Bangladesh still have a slim chance of qualifying for the semifinal of the T20 World Cup, those complex equations will only be applicable if the Tigers can defeat Pakistan in their last Super 12 game in Adelaide Oval today.
Bangladesh had their best performance in the T20 World Cup in the ongoing edition, with the Tigers winning two games in the main round so far and giving title contenders India a run for their money in their last outing.
The approach from the side and their competitive spirit were praiseworthy and although a few mistakes led to a five-run defeat, the match injected some self-belief into a team that had come to the flagship event with hardly any expectations.
The question now is whether the Tigers can show consistency and learn from their mistakes when it comes to tacking pressure situations, something they have failed to do time and again.
Bangladesh were on course for a memorable win against India in chase of 185 after a blistering fifty from Liton Das set the platform. But the Tigers lost their way after a rain break, losing four wickets in the span of just two overs after the target was revised to 151 runs in 16 overs.
"It was quite frantic for those 15-20 minutes, which is understandable. The pressure got to the boys with the required rate climbing to 9.75 runs an over," Bangladesh technical consultant Sridhar Sriram said ahead of the game against Pakistan yesterday.
"Everyone was disappointed in the dressing room to have lost by five runs. They realised what a golden opportunity they missed. It is a great lesson for them. It gives the team self-belief. If we can challenge a team like India, we are not far away," he added.
The former India all-rounder was reminded of Bangladesh's failures to get across the line against India on previous occasions and asked if there was some sort of mental block there. Sriram replied: "I think it is a fresh start. I don't know what happened in the past. We won two very close games against the Netherlands and Zimbabwe. We lost a close game against India, but that happens."
Bangladesh's final Super 12 game should not only be seen as an opportunity to qualify for the semifinals. It will be more important for the team management to make sure they can mark a new beginning with a better unit in the shortest format for the future.
"We know what challenges Pakistan present. We played them in New Zealand recently. We have to turn up and play our best on the day. They are a very good side. We had opportunities in both the games that we played against them in New Zealand. We are both aware of each other's strengths. It will be a great contest tomorrow (Sunday)," Sriram added.
When queried about his contract, which expires after the World Cup, and whether he wants to continue with the Bangladesh team, Sriram's philosophy was the same as his approach to matches.
"One game at a time, one tournament at a time My goal now is to just finish the World Cup on a good note. I haven't thought too far ahead," he concluded.