Tuesday 22 March 2016


Bengaluru: Australian skipper Steve Smith warned his side faced defeat in coming matches unless they improved after their thrilling three-wicket win over Bangladesh in their World Twenty20 clash in Bangalore on Monday.
Opener Usman Khawaja hit a quick-fire half-century as Australia successfully chased down Bangladesh's total of 156 for five, with nine balls to spare.
The victory puts Australia's bid for a first ever World T20 trophy back on track after the top-ranked Test side lost to New Zealand in the northern hill station of Dharamsala in their opening match.
But Smith said the Australians needed to adapt better to different playing conditions if they were going to defeat Pakistan on Friday, before taking on red-hot title favourites India for a place in the semi-finals.
"We haven't been good enough in the middle overs," said Smith. "We've had a bit of travel, but it's not an excuse."
"Pakistan and India play well in these conditions and we have to do better. Our players have to adapt better (to different grounds)," he said.
Australian spinner Adam Zampa, who took three wickets, his first in T20 internationals, said the side had been disappointed to lose to New Zealand.
"The equation for us is pretty simple now, win every game," Zampa, named man of the match, said, adding that he expected an equally tough battle with both Pakistan and India.
The 29-year-old Khawaja whacked seven fours and one six before he was bowled for 58 by Al-Amin Hossain in Monday's Super 10 Group Two match.
Khawaja, born in Pakistan, and Shane Watson put on a solid 62-run opening partnership before the veteran all-rounder was run out for 21.

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