We are better than Afghanistan, we can bounce back: Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh all-rounder and former skipper Shakib Al Hasan believes that his team has the capacity to come back strongly against Afghanistan. Shakib feels Bangladesh are a more potent side than Afghanistan, and the fact that they have a lot more experience will play to their advantage. His team was earlier routed by the Afghans in the Group stage after their batsmen collapsed while chasing a total of 256. Rashid Khan starred on his birthday, contributing with bat and ball.

Bangladesh, who were finalists in the previous edition of the Asia Cup in the T20 format, began this year’s tournament with a convincing victory over Sri Lanka. However, they seemed to have lost that momentum after suffering defeats against Afghanistan and subsequently India in the Super 4s. Sunday’s clash against Afghanistan will be a must-win for Bangladesh if they want to see themselves in the final.

Not easy circumstances, but we can win: Shakib

Shakib, who’s currently in the playing XI despite a niggle, said, “We have been in this type of situation in the past and we did overcome, So, I feel we have the capability (to come back). We will have to try to play our normal game which we are used to. Although the circumstances won’t be that easy but there’s no reason why we can’t.”

The all-rounder acknowledged Afghanistan’s strengths, but insisted that Bangladesh are a better side as they have the experience of defeating some of the best teams in world cricket.

“Afghanistan have played a lot better than us in this Asia Cup. But I believe we are a better side than them and that’s how we should perform tomorrow (Sunday). We have won more matches against bigger teams than them. Moreover, we are above them on the rankings,” he was quoted as saying to Bdcrictime on Saturday.

Shakib went on to add, “Our target should be to think about our own game and not worrying about the opposition. If we can do the things right then we can defeat any team in one-dayers.”

Bangladesh’s star all-rounder bagged a 4-for against Afghanistan when the two teams met in the Group stage. However, it was Bangladesh’s batting which let them down in the chase.

For all the latest cricket news and other updates follow CricTracker.