Bangladesh’s Asia Cup prospects got a significant lift as batsman Liton Das was given the green light to join the squad on Monday, according to the chief selector. This means that he will be ready to join the Bangladesh squad for the Super Four stages.
Bangladesh suffered a setback in their opening encounter against Sri Lanka, losing by five wickets last Thursday. However, they made a tremendous recovery on Sunday, defeating Afghanistan by a commanding 89-run margin.
This remarkable victory against Afghanistan not only raised Bangladesh’s spirits but also put their run rate ahead of Sri Lanka’s. Consequently, they secured a spot in the Super Four stage of the tournament.
In the forthcoming matchup on Tuesday, Sri Lanka will battle Afghanistan in Lahore to select the last Super Four player from their group.
The return of Liton Das to fitness was a great relief for Bangladesh, especially given the injury setback they experienced with their key seamer, Ebadot Hossain.
During their match against Afghanistan in Lahore, two of Bangladesh’s batsmen, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, had fitness concerns while creating an amazing 194-run partnership for the third wicket. Miraz, despite his stunning score of 112, had to retire hurt, while Shanto battled cramping and unfortunately got run out after providing 104 runs.
Bangladesh is expected to kick off their Super Four campaign in Lahore on Wednesday against Pakistan, who have already guaranteed their position from Group A.
In another do-or-die match of Group A played in Pallekele between India and Nepal, India emerged victorious as they defeated Nepal by 10 wickets in a rain-interrupted match. India qualified for the Super Four and will face their arch-rival Pakistan on September 10.
Bangladesh Asia Cup Squad:
Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Das, Tanjid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud.
