Bangladesh’s stand-in captain, Jaker Ali, recently spoke to the media about their upcoming, pivotal T20 Asia Cup match against Pakistan. He stressed the importance of focusing on their own strengths and abilities, while also acknowledging the valuable lessons learned from previous encounters with their rivals.
This match is a virtual semifinal, with the victor progressing to face India in the grand finale. India has already secured their place in the final after a convincing 41-run win over Bangladesh in their Super Fours encounter in Dubai.
Historically, Bangladesh has a challenging T20 International record against Pakistan, with 5 wins and 20 losses in 25 matches. However, they carry a significant confidence boost, having defeated Pakistan 2-1 in a home series back in July.
“We don’t underestimate any opponent,” Jaker Ali stated. “Our focus remains firmly on our own strengths and what we can achieve. Our previous games against them, both in Pakistan and Bangladesh, have provided us with crucial insights that will certainly be beneficial moving forward.”
Pakistan is also entering this critical fixture on a high note, following their decisive five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their Super Fours match in Abu Dhabi. Their performance against Sri Lanka demonstrated their readiness for high-stakes competition.
The upcoming match between India and Sri Lanka in Dubai will now be a formality, as the winner of the Pakistan vs. Bangladesh clash will complete the final lineup for Asia Cup 2025.
Bangladesh Squad for Asia Cup:
- Litton Das (captain)
- Tanzid Hasan
- Parvez Hossain Emon
- Saif Hassan
- Tawhid Hridoy
- Jaker Ali Anik
- Shamim Hossain
- Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan
- Shak Mahedi Hasan
- Rishad Hossain
- Nasum Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Taskin Ahmed
- Shoriful Islam
- Shaif Uddin
Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup:
- Salman Ali Agha (captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Hasan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Haris
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Waseem Jnr
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Mirza
- Shaheen Afridi
- Sufyan Moqim
Both teams will compete in Dubai, UAE, with their sights set on securing a spot in the Asia Cup final.