Desk Report:
It is not that anyone has never played two consecutive days in T20. But when there is such a schedule in a major tournament, the matter becomes very stressful. Because, then complex calculations like points, net run rate come to the fore. Phil Simmons has raised questions about Bangladesh’s two consecutive days of play.
While scheduling the Asia Cup, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has scheduled two consecutive matches in the Super Four. This time, Bangladesh, led by Liton Das, has to play in that consecutive match schedule. Bangladesh will play against India tomorrow in Dubai. Liton-Tanjid Hasan Tamim will have to play against Pakistan within 24 hours of the end of the game against the neighboring country.
Bangladesh will also play against Pakistan in Dubai. Even though the venue is the same, what a joke it is to play two consecutive matches in the Asia Cup! When asked about playing two consecutive matches in the press conference today before the match against India, Simmons said, “It is very difficult to play two consecutive T20s or ODIs. It is not good. But again, we have prepared. The boys have practiced hard. I think they are fit enough to play two consecutive matches. But playing two consecutive T20Is doesn’t look good for any team. It’s much harder than you think.’
2012, 2016, 2018—the same picture has been seen every time. Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka on those three occasions and Bangladesh booked their ticket to the final each time. Although Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka in the group stage of this Asia Cup, Liton-Tawhid Hridoy got revenge in the Super Four. Bangladesh started their hopes of reaching the final by defeating Sri Lanka by 4 wickets in the Super Four. Although India is a relatively tough opponent, Bangladesh can hope to win against Pakistan, another team in the tournament. Because, Pakistan led by Salman Ali Agha is being more affected by external events. Pakistan is not able to play as expected on the field.
Responding to the question of whether Bangladesh is a big favorite to reach the final, Simmons said that for now he is more worried about the India match. At a press conference in Dubai today, the Bangladesh coach said, ‘There is no such thing as a favorite. We still have two matches left. Both opponents are very strong. I am more worried about the match against India on Wednesday night. I will think about Pakistan after the India match. Then you can think about the final. Right now I am thinking about India.’
In Dubai, Pakistan lost the toss and batted first and scored 171 runs for 4 wickets in 20 overs. Chasing that run, India won by 6 wickets with 7 balls in hand. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka lost to Bangladesh in Dubai on Saturday. Sri Lanka and Pakistan will play a ‘do-or-die’ match in Abu Dhabi today. The team that wins will survive the tournament. If they lose, the team will be in a sort of farewell. The Sri Lanka-Pakistan match will start at 8:30 pm Bangladesh time.
