Mash, Hathuru eye another landmark
Transcending boundaries isn't something that this group of Bangladeshi players aren't used to. Under captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and coach Chandika Hathurusingha the Tigers reached several new landmarks in ODIs last year.
And when they take on Pakistan today in the crucial Asia Cup fixture at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, it will be another opportunity for them to surpass yet another boundary.
To be able to reach the final in a format where they are ranked tenth will no doubt be a big feat. While both the coach and the captain are confident, in the back of their minds they know that it will take plenty of effort to beat a T20-hardened Pakistani outfit.
"Lately we have done many things that we had never done before. We never beat Sri Lanka in a T20I before this tournament. So for us there's always hope," said Hathurusingha during Bangladesh's training session in Mirpur yesterday.
Captain Mashrafe echoed the coach's sentiments.
"Wins and defeats lead to many different perceptions. However, what I believe is the step-by-step process. If we keep taking these small steps, we will soon be able to be a lot more competitive in this format.
"It's not just Sri Lanka. I thought we were on track against India as well. It's just that we couldn't hold on till the end," said Mashrafe.
"Towards the end against Sri Lanka, Angelo Mathews, who is a very capable batsman, was still there. But we didn't panic. We kept our heads cool at that point of time. I am not sure what these wins signify, but I know that we are on the right path," he added.
If the hosts want to reach a new landmark, they will need their batsmen to come to the party. And that's why, despite Mustafizur Rahman's absence, both the coach and the captain were glad to see Tamim Iqbal return.
"I am happy with Sabbir [Rahman] and [Mahmudullah] Riyad. But what's important is that we get at least three to four batsmen scoring in every game. In T20 cricket it's very hard to score consistently.
"Tamim will go straight into the opening slot so there's no concern. With regards to Mushfiqur [Rahim], it is a bit of a concern because he is our best batsman and I hope he makes a comeback," said Hathurusingha.
Bangladesh will replace Mustafizur with either pacer Abu Hider or one of two spinners -- Nasir Hossain and Arafat Sunny.
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