The Asia Cup is set to begin this September. In this T20-format tournament, Bangladesh’s target is nothing short of becoming champions. In preparation for the Asia Cup, the Bangladesh team has been undergoing intense training in recent days. Before the skill training began on August 15, the players had already gone through several days of fitness training.
On Monday (August 18), wicketkeeper-batter Zakir Ali Anik appeared at a press conference during a practice session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. There he made it clear: “This time, Insha’Allah, we are going to the Asia Cup to become champions. I, along with the whole team, firmly believe this. Our goal is to win the championship.”
In the battle for continental supremacy, Bangladesh have reached the final three times but never managed to lift the trophy. This time, Liton Das’s side is eager to end that wait. To achieve success in the T20 format, power-hitting is essential. With the Asia Cup and next year’s T20 World Cup in mind, Bangladesh have hired one of the best power-hitting coaches of the time, Julian Wood. He has already started working with the team.
Speaking about his experience working with him, Zakir said: “Julian is working with us on certain power-hitting skills—where and how each player can improve, that’s what he is focusing on. With the environment we have now and the effort everyone is putting in, we truly believe we will become champions this time, Insha’Allah.”
