Bangladesh cricket once again ‘looking at the equation’ in Asia Cup

It’s a familiar scenario for Bangladesh in the Asia Cup—despite completing their group-stage matches, Litton Das and his team have not yet secured a spot in the Super Four.

After three matches, Bangladesh have two wins and one loss, earning 4 points. However, with a net run rate of -0.270, qualification is not straightforward. The Tigers now have to keep an eye on the Sri Lanka–Afghanistan match.

At the top of Group B is Sri Lanka, also on 4 points, but with a strong net run rate of +1.546. Afghanistan sit third on 2 points but have an impressive net run rate of +2.150.

The calculation is simple: if Sri Lanka win, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will advance to the Super Four. But if Afghanistan win, the fate of the Tigers will depend on net run rate. For Bangladesh to be eliminated, Afghanistan would need a comprehensive victory—either chasing with at least 53 balls remaining or posting a total 71 runs higher if batting first. Otherwise, it will be Sri Lanka and Afghanistan advancing.

Bangladesh could have avoided this complicated equation with a quicker win against Hong Kong. Reflecting on this after the match, opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim said in the press conference, “There’s no point in regretting. What’s gone is gone. Now we just have to focus on the equation in front of us.”

Tamim led from the front with his batting, especially during the opening powerplay. Speaking about his and the team’s performance, he said:
“The wicket was very dry. Communication between Saif Hasan and me was good. We discussed how to play the first two or three overs beforehand. Gradually, we got back on track. Hitting boundaries in consecutive overs made the powerplay much easier for us.”

It wasn’t just the batting—Tamim also expressed confidence in the bowling attack:
“Our bowling lineup is world-class. Everyone is experienced in T20 cricket. We believed that the score we posted could be defended, and the bowlers proved it. All credit goes to the entire bowling unit.” He praised the pace bowlers and spinners alike for contributing to the victory.

Asked whether there was a specific strategy against Afghanistan’s spinners, Tamim replied:
“There wasn’t any special plan. We focused on playing the ball, not the bowler’s name. That mindset made it easier to bat.”

On whether net run rate was a factor in the last match, he said:
“Of course, it was in our mind. There was a chance to win by a big margin, which would have been good for the team. But it didn’t happen. At the end of the day, we had to win—and we did.”

In Bangladesh cricket, net run rate often plays a crucial role in Asia Cup or ICC tournaments. Fans jokingly call them the “team that calculates equations”. Tamim, however, emphasized: “We don’t see it that way. Every match is important. When we step onto the field, we give our 100%.”

Now, all eyes of the green-and-red jerseyed Tigers are on the Sri Lanka–Afghanistan clash. Whether Bangladesh’s ticket to the Super Four will be confirmed or their dream will end in the first round will be revealed after tomorrow’s match.