Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has grazed aside outside noise ahead of their 2022 Asia Cup fixture against Sri Lanka on Thursday, September 1 in Dubai.
Verbal volleys were changed between the 2 camps ahead of the virtual knockout encounter.
While Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka stated the Tigers have only 2 “world-class” bowlers, Bangladesh team director Khaled Mahmud answered that the Lankans don’t have a unique quality bowler in their ranks.
When asked regarding the same during the toss, Shakib added:
“We haven’t talked about it at all, whatever happened in the media can remain there, we want to play good cricket on the ground and hope to win for Bangladesh.”
Bangladesh Team Director answers back to #DasunShanaka's controversial statement.
"I don't think they have any world-class bowlers" Bangladesh team director on Sri Lanka#AsiaCup2022 #SLvsBAN #Bangladesh #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/VqnE8tnd8b
— OneCricket (@OneCricketApp) August 31, 2022
It is a must-victory match for either side as the champion will join Afghanistan from Group B in the Super four stage. Both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh went to the Afghans.
“The first 10 overs is crucial” – Shakib Al Hasan
Bangladesh has been requested to bat primary by Sri Lanka. Shakib accepted that while he chose to field first, he is confident that the Bangladesh batters will provide the team with a great start. He elaborated:
“We wanted to field first, but having said that, it’s not in our control. We just have to bat well. The first 10 overs are important, if we can keep wickets in hand then we can utilize the last 10 overs. We didn’t bat well in the last game, that’s the main thing, we have to bat well in the first 6 overs.”
Shakib Al Hasan becomes only the second cricketer to score 6,000 runs and take 400 wickets in T20s 👏 pic.twitter.com/hSOoM6S28g
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 1, 2022
Bangladesh could only secure 127 runs in its first match against Afghanistan. After a top-order defeat, Mosaddek Hossain’s successful 48 propelled them to a fighting total. Although, it wasn’t enough as the Afghans won by 7 wickets.
Shakib and Co. will desire to put in a much better performance against Sri Lanka.