Bangladesh’s journey to the Asia Cup was not an easy one as they lost one of their group games to Afghanistan and their first Super Four clash to India and captain Mashrafe Mortaza wants his side to keep their emotions in check against the defending champions.
“We came through difficult situation like losing one player after another and in that sense, the players really have learnt a lot,” Mortaza said at the pre-match press conference on the eve of the final. “It was a great lesson for the boys. I think young players will learn that we must continue our fight till the last ball.”
Bangladesh lost their star players, Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan, both of whom are ruled out due to injuries.
“It was really hard because there was no cricketer like Shakib-Tamim,” Mortaza added. ”Shakib was fifty per cent fit from the beginning [of the tournament]. We didn’t have Tamim from the first match. The good part is, the boys haven’t been disappointed. They kept fighting. Although we lost to Afghanistan in the group stage and to [India in the Super Four], still I will say they fought.
“So far we are proud. But we have to handle our emotions, especially before the final match,” Mortaza said. “How we fight against them [India] is very important for us. They undoubtedly are the best team.”
