Tigers prepare for final against Afghanistan

The Bangladesh team practiced at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today to prepare for the final of the T20 tri-series against Afghanistan tomorrow.

Having come off the back of two consecutive victories, the Tigers will be looking to use the much-needed gain in confidence to clinch the trophy against a strong Afghan side.

Skipper Shakib Al Hasan, whose single-handedly took Tigers over the finishing line with a fantastic unbeaten 70 against Afghanistan in the last league stage match, took part in a batting session. While Shakib has got some runs under his belts, the top-order is still an issue ahead of the final.

Leg-spinner Aminul Islam Biplob had a good debut when he got two wickets against Zimbabwe in a league stage match. The bowler however also suffered injury in the same match and according to coach Russell Domingo, is unlikely to play the final.

"He has got two or three stitches in his left hand, not his bowling hand. But as a coach I am very reluctant to go into the games with a guy who has some sort of injury. There can be a tough catch or if he tries to stop the first ball of his own bowling, and the stitches come off again. I always like to play with 100% fit players. I can't see him playing with stitches in his hand," Domingo told reporters today.

Mohammad Saifuddin had yesterday said that if all the players play at 60-70 percent, it would be possible to match Afghanistan. Domingo was clear that only giving 100 percent and also showing improvements can get the Tigers success.

"I don't think we can win with 60 per cent. We have to play very well. If we play 60% and Afghanistan play 50%, they will beat us. That's our challenge. We have to get better. If we don't raise our intensity, Afghanistan is going to beat us."