Rest Over Practice in Dubai Heat
Bangladesh players are on a three-day break before their crucial clash with India. Out of those days, the team trained only once while the rest were spent on recovery. With the packed international calendar and the scorching Dubai heat, team management believes freshness is more valuable than long practice sessions.
Extended Stay in UAE
By qualifying for the Super Four, the Tigers have already extended their stay in the UAE. After the Asia Cup, they will remain in Dubai to prepare for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Afghanistan. Surviving in these hot conditions while staying fit and hydrated has become the real test for the players.
India: The Toughest Opponent Yet
Tomorrow’s challenge is none other than mighty India, who already defeated Pakistan twice in this tournament. History doesn’t favor Bangladesh—out of 17 T20 matches against India, they have won just once, in Delhi back in 2019. Still, as cricket has shown time and again, past records don’t decide future results.
Mehedi: “We Always Play to Win”
Speaking after training, all-rounder Sheikh Mehedi expressed confidence. “We enter every match with the belief to win. Whether it’s India, Australia, or even Uganda—it all depends on how we perform on the day,” he said.
Run-Chase Success Boosts Confidence
This Asia Cup has already produced 8 successful run chases in 14 matches. Mehedi admitted chasing is tough, but it forces batters to stay focused and responsible. Captain Liton Das has been lucky with the toss, winning three in a row and making the right choices. Two of Bangladesh’s three wins in this tournament came while chasing—against Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.
After the last victory, Liton sounded upbeat: “We’ve been winning by chasing consistently in recent series and tournaments. As a batting unit, we are confident.”
Fans’ Excitement Reaches New Heights
Before the tournament, experts like Aakash Chopra and Harsha Bhogle didn’t expect Bangladesh to reach the Super Four. But the Tigers proved them wrong. Naturally, fan excitement is sky-high. Tickets have been selling out quickly, with prices shooting from 2,500 taka to nearly 20,000.
Calm Inside the Dressing Room
Despite the hype, the team remains calm. Mehedi summed it up: “The excitement is for the fans and the media. For us, it’s just another international game. We’ll approach it the same way we always do.”
