Mushfiqur: Of course we have a chance
Bangladesh lynchpin feels putting up a big total could do the trick against India in final
Bangladesh’s ‘crisis manager’ Mushfiqur Rahim is confident his side, having beaten Pakistan and Afghanistan and booked a date with India in the final of the ongoing Asia Cup, can make this opportunity count. India have so far played outstanding cricket and Bangladesh will have to play out of their skin to get across the line.
Bangladesh’s top-order batting has been a worry, but Mushfiqur has repeatedly soaked the pressure and scripted partnerships that eventually culminated in saving the day for his side.
“The confidence is there although we haven’t played our best cricket yet,” said Mushfiqur. “If you ask me, we are struggling a bit in all three departments. The top order hasn’t fired for us. If the top order clicks we can do something against India.”
The Tigers, who have made to their third Asia Cup final in four tournaments, will be well aware of what defending champions India are capable of. Dinesh Karthik’s six to clinch the Nidahas Trophy final for India against Bangladesh in March this year will also be fresh in their memory.
“India, as we all know, are in great form,” said Mushfiqur, who has so far accumulated 297 runs in four matches, including a matchwinning 144 against Sri Lanka in the opener. “They have been playing outstanding cricket in this competition. But if we can put up a good score then we can put some pressure on them. So, if we can get a good start in this game, we can pull it off. That’s one thing we want to achieve in this tournament.
“If we can play our best cricket, then beating India is not impossible — we’ve done it before. Maybe we have not done it as consistently as we would have liked.”
Rahim went on to reveal that his team landed in the UAE with just one thing on mind — to make it to the final and win the contest.
“We have been working on our goal of reaching the final first,” he said. “Of course, it is possible to win the Asia Cup. People live in dream and hope. And this was our target before the Asia Cup, that we at least make the final. Then in the championship match, if we play our best cricket, then what will happen will happen. Since we have worked this hard and come this far, we of course have a chance.”
Mushfiqur was involved in a 144-run partnership with Mohammad Mithun (60) in the thrilling win against Pakistan in what was a virtual semifinal on Wednesday here. “This match was crucial for us,” he said. “Without Tamim Iqbal and now Shakib Al Hassan, I had to shoulder some responsibilities alone in the batting. I had to play long innings and those with experience should be able to score in every two games out of three. I think above all, playing as a team is most important. The youngsters in the team will learn quickly once they come out with a good knock or a good bowling spell.”