Bangladesh will win a trophy soon, says former Lankan pacer Chaminda Vaas

Former Sri Lankan speedster Chaminda Vaas might have played Bangladesh in their formative years but the 44-year-believes that the latter have risen through the ranks fast and that their maiden international trophy is not far away. Bangladesh have lost as many as six finals till date, including two close ones against India this year. On September 28, they lost their third Asia Cup final and the second to India in the final delivery of the match.

However, the closeness of many of these finals that Bangladesh lost showed that they lacked the finishing touch after putting up a good show. In the final of the Asia Cup in 2012, Bangladesh lost to Pakistan by just 2 runs. Again, earlier this year, Dinesh Karthik snatched victory from their jaws by hitting a six in the last ball.

“Amazing, Bangladesh have gained a respectable place in world cricket now. I believe soon they would come out with trophies. I’ve seen a great future ahead,” Vaas was quoted as saying to bdcrictime, one of the leading dailies in Bangladesh.

Vaas praises Mashrafe and Mustafizur

Vaas, who is in Bangladesh now for the ongoing Under-19 Asia Cup as the bowling coach of the Sri Lankan side, not only predicted a bright future for the Tigers in world cricket but also praised the side’s captain and senior bowler Mashrafe Mortaza besides the young Mustafizur Rahman, one of their key pacers who ended as the joint highest wicket-taker in Asia Cup with 10 wickets.

“Once I played with Mashrafe; it’s amazing how he controls the ball even after so many days and so many wounds. It’s really amazing. He could have been a better pacer if he had not to go through so many injury troubles,” he added.

“In last few years, I’ve been watching him as a captain – he is truly inspirational.”

Vaas was also generous when it came to 23-year-old Mustafizur, saying that the pacer has a good future and advised him to take care of himself as he has suffered from a number of injuries in his short career.

Bangladesh started their Asia Cup campaign with a bang, thumping former champions Sri Lanka by 137 runs and went on to play the final despite losing some key players like Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan.

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