Bangladesh will go to the forthcoming Asia Cup with a goal to become the champions, stated wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali on Monday.听
The Tigers played three Asia Cup finals across formats鈥攖wo in 50-over format and one in 20-over鈥攂ut never won the coveted trophy.听
Their last final came in 2018 when they lost to India in Dubai by three wickets. They came close when they lost to Pakistan in Mirpur in 2012 by just two runs, a match that still hurts the Bangladeshi fans.听
The Asia Cup will be in T20 format this time and is scheduled to begin on September 9 in the UAE.听
鈥業nshallah, we are going with a goal to become champions,鈥� Jaker said in a press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.听
鈥業 can say this personally. [At least] I am going to become the champion. The people of the country believe that. The environment right now, how everyone is giving their efforts鈥攚e are going with an aim to become champions,鈥� he added.听
But when it comes to his personal goal, Jaker doesn鈥檛 want to set one.听
He said, 鈥楳y batting changes abruptly in T20s. It鈥檚 tough to set a goal. When I go to bat at five, I want to make a big score. When I go in six or seven, my target is to score as many runs as possible from a smaller number of balls. It鈥檚 not possible for me to set a goal other than that.鈥櫶�
鈥楨veryday weak zones will emerge. There will be challenges. International cricket won鈥檛 be easy. You have to survive the challenges,鈥� said the 27-year-old.听
Jaker also said that to remain fit is one of the biggest challenges nowadays.听
鈥楾o remain fit to be able to play three formats is the biggest challenge at the moment. It is difficult to play three formats if you are not physically fit. I'm focusing on that,鈥� he said.听
The national team has been participating in fitness camp, as there hasn鈥檛 been any series since the last one against Pakistan.听
The BCB has arranged a three-match T20 series against the Netherlands, which will begin on August 30 in Sylhet.听
The national team is supposed to move to Sylhet today, as the last part of the camp will be held there.听
One of the key aspects of the ongoing camp is the presence of Julian Wood, a specialised power-hitting coach from England. Jaker hopes that they will benefit from this.听
鈥榊ou don鈥檛 understand the change if we don鈥檛 play matches. It鈥檚 been two to three days; he has mostly worked on skills,鈥� said Jaker.听
鈥楾here will be net sessions in Sylhet; something will be different. It won鈥檛 be appropriate to comment on whether everything has been improved so quickly. We are trying to do the tasks we have been given. Of course the different drills will come to the fore,鈥� he added.听
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