Bangladesh focusing on Asia Cup as ODI World Cup preparation event
Asia Cup and the World Cup are two separate tournaments, and success in one does not guarantee success at the grandest stage.
Crickate
Shakib Al Hasan, the newly appointed ODI captain of Bangladesh, has emphasised the significance of focusing on the present rather than the ODI World Cup. Shakib, speaking alongside head coach Chandika Hathurusingha, stated that the team's current primary objective is to reach the 'Super 4s' of the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.
According to the outstanding all-rounder, the Asia Cup and the World Cup are two distinct competitions, and success in one does not guarantee success on the grandest stage. He believes that if the team performs well in the forthcoming intercontinental tournament, it will aid in their development as a cohesive unit prior to the World Cup.
However, he also emphasised that despite their dismal performance in the Asia Cup, they still have a chance to win the mega match.
"You cannot compare the World Cup to the Asia Cup because they are two separate competitions." Yes, if we can do well and develop as a good team in the Asia Cup, we will have a good chance of doing well in the World Cup. From this perspective, the Asia Cup is important, but right now we are only focused on the Afghanistan vs. Sri Lanka match, as Shakib was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
There are difficult obstacles, but we are up to the task
Shakib Al Hasan added that the team's complete strategy and preparation will be centred on the Asia Cup, and they will focus on one tournament at a time. Coach Hathurusingha reiterated Shakib's sentiments, emphasising the team's desire to advance to the Asia Cup's second round. He acknowledged the difficulties presented by Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, but was confident in his team's ability to overcome them.
"There are significant obstacles, but we are up to the task," Hathurusingha stated.
The team recognises Sri Lanka's prowess, particularly when playing at home, and is prepared for a difficult match. Likewise, they are aware of Afghanistan's recent achievements and are prepared to confront them. Both Shakib and Hathurusingha were pleased with the team's Asia Cup preparations. They highlighted the players' fitness and medical evaluations, talent development, tactical training, and individual role-specific work.
However, they also expressed regret over fast bowler Ebadot Hossain's injury, considering him an integral member of the team. They addressed concerns regarding Litton Kumar Das' recent lack of form, with Hathurusingha explaining that his performance in T20 tournaments in Canada and Sri Lanka was not cause for concern because the surfaces were not conducive to high scoring.
