Asia Cup 2018: Mashrafe Mortaza Feels Every Team is a Threat For Bangladesh

Updated - 06 Sep 2018, 09:16 PM

Mashrafe-Mortaza, Bangladesh, ICC World Cup
Mashrafe Mortaza Credit: Getty Images

Bangladesh skipper, Mashrafe Mortaza stated he is concentrating on their opening game and not thinking too far as every team is a threat in the Asia Cup 2018 for the Tigers.

Moreover owing to the history, Bangladesh could not win the Asia Cup despite playing the finals on two occasions.

Bangladesh team is not satisfied with the last three editions of the tournament they played so far.

In the new format of Asia Cup, two additional teams have been included apart from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. This may be a risk of being eliminated from the opening stage. They are placed in group B along with Islanders and Afghanistan.

However, two teams from each group will qualify for the second round known as Super Four. This could be the primary goal for the Bangladesh team.

Mashrafe Mortaza
Mashrafe Mortaza in the picture. PC: Getty Images

”I think every team is a threat for us,” Mashrafe told reporters in the official pre-match press conference on Thursday as Bangladesh concluded their preparation for the multi-team competition.

Mashrafe Mortaza on the opening fixture:

”If you look at the bowling strength of Afghanistan and all-round potency of the Sri Lankans, anything can happen. So for us the opening game is the most important. If we can do well in the opening game we have a chance to progress further in the tournament.” Mortaza added.

Although, this time the format is a bit different, senior campaigner Mortaza is a bit scared of the two deadly bowlers Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman from the Afghanistan camp.

”If we can win the opening match we are sure it will help us to handle Rashid and Mujeeb much better,” said Mashrafe.

Mashrafe Mortaza leads the pack. Photo Credits – Getty Images

”But if don’t do well in the opening game it will be even twice the more difficult to beat them. So the first game will set the tone for us.’ he added.

However, the fans of all the countries are eagerly waiting to look at their teams performing well in the tournament.

The Asia Cup 2018 has been scheduled to kick from September 15, 2018, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Bangladesh fans have high hopes on Mashrafe Mortaza to deliver goods at the earliest.

Tagged:

Mashrafe Mortaza