The West Indies are hoping to kick-start a charge towards the semi-finals of the World Cup with victory over Bangladesh at Taunton on Monday.

Jason Holder’s side sparkled in a crushing opening win against Pakistan but have since been hit by defeats to two of the tournament favourites, Australia and England.

That has left them with just three points from four games – including a no result against South Africa – and with work to do to claim a place in the top four.

Jason Holder's West Indies have work to do to reach the semi-finals
Jason Holder’s West Indies have work to do to reach the semi-finals (Mark Kerton/PA)

Holder believes his team still have their destiny in their own hands.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the captain said: “At this present time with five games left, I think the ball’s in our court. We’ve just got to be consistent.

“It’s quite a good stage to pick up momentum as well, and we’re full of confidence that we can do it.

“We’ve just got to take it game by game. Tomorrow is a challenge against Bangladesh and we just want to get over Bangladesh and move forward.”

Recent history in the fixture is against the West Indies, however, with Bangladesh having beaten them in seven of their last nine meetings.

“If you want to put us in the underdog category, fair enough,” said Holder. “We’ve played them quite a bit in the recent past and they’ve got the better of us in recent past.

“But different stage, lots at stake for this game. We’re all up for it.”

Andre Russell is a fitness doubt for the West Indies
Andre Russell is a fitness doubt for the West Indies (Nigel French/PA)

Holder says a late decision will be made over the fitness of big-hitting all-rounder Andre Russell, who must manage a long-term knee condition.

Russell is a key component of the Windies’ fearsome pace attack but, whether he features or not, Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal insists his side will be ready.

“They usually target us with the short ball but they do the same against all sides in the first 10 to 15 overs,” Tamim said.

“They also give run-scoring opportunities. We have to prepare for both, that’s why we are working hard in practice.”

Bangladesh beat the West Indies three times in the recent tri-nations series in Ireland.

“We have an idea about their batsmen and bowlers but I have noticed their different planning in the World Cup,” Tamim added.

“They are focusing heavily on the short ball but if you handle it well, there’ll be opportunities to score runs.”

Bangladesh also have three points from four games and neither side can afford a slip-up in their bids to reach the semi-finals.