Tigers take on Pakistan
The Bangladesh cricket team will take on Pakistan in the opening game of the Asia Cup at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium today.
This is the eleventh edition of the regional competition and has returned to the country after 12 years. Bangladesh were hosts in 1988 and 2000 previously.
Defending champions India and Sri Lanka have also arrived yesterday and it is likely that for the first time in many years, the big guns as well as the Tigers have a lot at stake in this competition.
Though the home side have won only two games ever since their first appearance in 1988, it will be a big deal for Mushfiqur Rahim’s men who have had to endure a spate of controversies in the last two weeks. Apart from the skipper’s outburst during the Bangladesh Premier League, the major issue has been Tamim Iqbal’s forced exclusion by the BCB president Mustafa Kamal that also resulted in the resignation of chief selector Akram Khan. With both uncle and nephew reinstated, the onus is firmly on the Tigers to perform well.
India too will look to brighten their fortunes after a torrid time in Australia while Pakistan will also like to get back in winning ways after suffering ODI series whitewash at the hands of England last month. Sri Lanka made it to the tri-series final in Australia earlier this week but lost out to Australia though they are on the mend after an average 2011.
-With The Daily Star input
