With the highly anticipated Asia Cup just around the corner, the captain of Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan, exudes confidence in the team's ability to deliver a commendable performance at the grand cricketing event that the region is set to witness.
The Bangladesh squad is now poised to embark on their journey to Sri Lanka on August 27th. Prior to this departure, Shakib took the opportunity to engage with the media on Saturday, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Kicking off their Asia Cup campaign on August 31st with a face-off against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh will subsequently cross paths with Afghanistan in Pakistan.
Read: Bangladesh aim a Super Fours berth in Asia Cup
"Our inaugural game will be against Sri Lanka at Pallekele during the Asia Cup. The conditions may pose challenges for the batters to accumulate runs swiftly. Hence, we must ensure thorough preparation to excel under all circumstances," articulated the Bangladesh captain.
Shakib conveyed his contentment regarding the preparation accomplished by the Bangladesh team in the past few days. Echoing this sentiment, head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe also expressed his satisfaction, stating that he is "very happy" with the preparations undertaken.
In the lead-up to the Asia Cup, Shakib has assumed the captaincy of the Bangladesh ODI team, succeeding Tamim Iqbal, who relinquished his role due to concerns over his fitness.
"I find it unnecessary to talk extensively on the topic of captaincy," Shakib remarked. "There aren't any new additions to the squad whom I am unfamiliar with. The majority of the players have been under my leadership for an extended period. Most have either played under my leadership, or I've played under theirs. Thus, any significant adjustments are not imperative."
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Shakib's enthusiasm resonates in his observations about Tanzid Hasan Tamim, a debutant opener who secures a place in the squad for the first time.
"My outlook toward Tamim is full with optimism. This sentiment isn't mine alone; the entire team shares the hope that he will flourish. It's crucial to note that his performance in the forthcoming two or four matches shouldn't be perceived as the sole determinant of his potential. A player's caliber isn't solely constructed over four matches; there lies a lot of time ahead," Shakib emphasized.
Within the context of the Asia Cup, Bangladesh finds itself placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. While the encounter with Sri Lanka is scheduled for August 31st, the match against Afghanistan is slated for September 3rd. Should Bangladesh secure a position as either champions or runners-up in the group stage, they will progress to the Super Fours—a primary objective underscored by the head coach for Bangladesh's Asia Cup campaign.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023: Six Players in Bangladesh ODI Squad to Watch
Bangladesh squad for the Asia Cup:
Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Naim Sheikh, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.