Former Pakistani spinner Mushtaq Ahmed is the current Spin consultant of Bangladesh. He shared his views for Bangladesh’s Do-Or-Die collision against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2025 on Tuesday 16 September in the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Bangladesh started their campaign with a seven-wicket victory against Hong Kong. However, they lost their next game to Sri Lanka by six wickets. A victory on Tuesday helps the side stay led by Litton Das in the fight for a place in the super-four stage of the tournament. However, they will still not be guaranteed if the other contenders, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, will play the last game in the group.
Mushtaq said that the coaching staff and the management of Bangladesh try to give the faith in the players prior to the match against Afghanistan.
“You have to believe. The coaches and management continue to tell the players that faith is very important. It is of course difficult, have to rely on IFS and Buts, but you have to concentrate on the first to win the game,” Mushtaq was quoted by Espncricinfo.
When asked about possible dangers to pay attention, Mushtaq was clear that it would be the Afghanistan spinners, led by their captain, Rashid Khan.
“Their spino department is very good, especially in the middle of the middle. If we can prevent their spider and put a considerable score on the board, we can challenge them because our bowling unit is also strong. My greatest concern is the middle overs,” Mushtaq said.
If they stand still in the past, their progress will be slow: Mushtaq
Mushtaq said that the players are encouraged to support their instincts and play aggressive cricket, despite the batting thrusts in recent times. Instead of worrying about the strengths of the opposition, Mushtaq wants his side to play fearless cricket.
“Sometimes early failures lead to the quick loss of four or five wickets. We tell our Batsmen that such things happen, but they must continue quickly. If they continue to live in the past, their progress will be slow. As a coach, our duty is to prevent them from going into a shell, keeping their self -confidence. Forget your strengths, “said Mushtaq.
“Even failure while playing aggressive makes you a stronger player. If coaches and management can cause faith, the team can challenge any party. Players like Litton [Das]” [Towhid] Hridoy, Tanzim [Hasan]Jaker and Shamim have shown that even when situations look fast, they can find momentum and score 170-180. With good fast bowlers and spinners, and if we become stronger as a team, we can challenge each team, “he added.
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