Asia Cup 2018: 3 reasons why Bangladesh can expect more this time

Despite playing the final of the Asia Cup twice, the Bangladesh cricket team failed to clinch the trophy even once. But this time around they are expecting something big in the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup that is scheduled to be played in UAE from 15 to 28 September.

The Bangladesh team is already in the city of Dubai where they will take Sri Lanka on the opening day of the tournament. Before the prestigious tournament kicked off, we take a deep look at the Bangladesh team to find 3 reasons why they can really expect to finish the event on a positive note this time around.

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#3 Addition of Shakib boosts the confidence of Bangladesh

2nd Momentum ODI: South Africa v Bangladesh

Because of a finger injury, the participation of the best all-rounder in the world, Shakib Al Hasan in the Asia Cup was uncertain. Shakib has been playing taking painkillers since the Nidahas Trophy earlier this year due to intolerable pain on the finger.

He insisted that he needs to go under the knife of doctors after the West Indies series recently. But, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) authority was not in favour of this stance of Shakib.

They wanted him to play in the Asia Cup, managing his pain like he did during the West Indies series where he played a pivotal role for Bangladesh to win both of the limited-overs series. Shakib overturned his stance and decided to undergo surgery after the event.

Shakib is the most experienced player of Bangladesh cricket team. So, his inclusion in the Asia Cup squad surely boosts the much-needed confidence for the Tigers. They are set to have the services of Shakib from the very beginning of the tournament. And this can be the most important thing for Bangladesh.

#2 Senior players are ready to fire

England v Bangladesh - ICC Champions Trophy

Along with Shakib Al Hasan, the senior players of the Tigers are ready to fire. Skipper Mashrafe Mortaza, opener Tamim Iqbal, all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, and the most reliable batsman of the Bangladesh side Mushfiqur Rahim, are heading into the Asia Cup keeping the title in the mind.

Like Shakib, Tamim also had an injury concern as he was suffering from immense pain on his finger. He had a hairline fracture on his finger as BCB chief physician Debashish Chowdhury quoted to the media. But on the eve of the tournament, Tamim was announced fit by doctors after taking rest for a few days.

Mahmudullah, the right-handed all-rounder is set to play the Asia Cup with some wonderful memories from the ongoing Caribbean Premier League.

The in-form all-rounder can ruin any bowling line-up in the world on his day. Mashrafe and Mushfiq are set to erase his past and willing to create history in the tournament.

#1 Youngsters are keen to flare up

England v Bangladesh - ICC Champions Trophy

Most of the success that Bangladesh has been enjoying, came as a result of the efforts of the senior guys. They have carried Bangladesh ahead constantly to create a new chapter in their history. Now, it is the time of the youngsters to step up to the plate along with the senior guys.

Batsmen like Liton Das, Mosaddek Hossain and Nazmul Hossain are eager to draw the attention of Asian spectators in the tournament with their skill set. On the other hand, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nazmul Islam Apu are set to distract the oppositions with their spin bowling, and Mustafizur Rahman and Abu Hider Rony are well prepared to show the glimpses of their left-handed pace bowling on the big stage.

Bangladesh will start off their Asia Cup campaign on the opening day of the event. The strong mindset of these young guns to conquer any obstacle can be the main fuel for Bangladesh in the Asia Cup.