The number of journalists, photographers and media personnel increased at least 3 times when Bangladesh skipper Masrafe entered the conference hall. During his walk from the dressing room to the conference room, he made pranks with a few journalists, and cracked jokes: there was no sign of worry or tense seriousness. He causally sat facing the media, and tried to talk about the lighter side of things, especially regarding how his team seems to look like a well-oiled machine and have jelled in like a family.
“I have told before the tournament that we are by no means favorites to even go to the final of the Asia Cup, but we believe if we play as a team we may do it. I am glad that we are here. India are clear favorites for the final no doubt about that. But we also have momentum on our side, and we have won the last 3 matches after the losing the first and we showed character to be in the final.”
Bangladesh has not been considered one of the better T20 teams in the world, and them being ranked 10 is proof of it. But Masrafe seemed least bothered with the number 1 team taking on the number 10 side, “We have taken each match as it came. Of course our players are in unfamiliar situation right now since we don’t play high-profile tournament finals that often, so there may be some inner excitement in the minds, especially in the younger players. But I think we are trying to keep ourselves as normal as possible and make plans for tomorrow’s match. If we give our best, anything is possible especially in T20′.
Masrafe still kept the World Cup 2015 quarter final ahead of the match tomorrow as the most important match he has led. But considering the home support, the familiar playing conditions and the dressing room, he was optimistic in taking a shot at being Asia Cup champions. “We have got the news about the hype on the match. Everyone is excited about it. Everyone wants to watch the game, and are looking for tickets. Truth is without the support of the fans, Bangladesh Cricket would never be where it is right now. We would love to give our fans a joyous moment tomorrow.”
Masrafe handled the question on whether Bangladesh’s top order batting can match that of India pretty well. He said, “I believe we have world class players at the top of the batting order. Tamim, Soumya, Sabbir, Mushfiq, Shakib and Mahmudullah can be a formidable top 6. We lack the game-changing number 7 or 8 batsmen I agree, but in a T20 game you need any 3 or 4 of the top order to click and you get a good total. We have always played as a team and will continue to do that in the final.”
Bangladesh are set to leave for the World T20 the day after the final, and he said the youngsters in the team will learn a lot about the life of being a professional sportsman being exposed to situations such as these.”Our young players will elarn a lot, this is what we have to do as professional cricketers, and be ready for planning for a final and then getting ready for a major tournament right after. I think the team can handle it well.”
With Sri Lanka and Pakistan going through some recent lows, many has tipped the Bangladesh-India rivalry to be the next big prospect in terms of comeptitiveness. Masrafe had a different view though, “Sri Lanka and Pakistan were the finalists of the Asia Cup just a couple of years ago. Sri Lanka are also the defending World T20 champions. All teams have their highs and lows and this is just a phase where we are getting better results than them. But that doesn’t mean we are the next Asian Super-Power or anything. Our future is bright, that is all I can say.”
The Tigers are that close to clinching a major trophy, probably the biggest of their history if they can make it possible. Masrafe, in his final words gave an idea of what it may take to win the final, “I think the team that can make timely aggressive decisions without any mistake will have an edge.”
On the other hand, Indian team Director Ravi Shastri spoke to the media about India’s preparations and aspirations leading towards the Asia Cup final, and also the pressure of being favorites in the upcoming World T20 at home.
On the team’s preparation for the final and the World T20 he said, “We have been unbeaten in the tournament, we have done well against Australia and Sri Lanka in different conditions. Currently we are the number 1 T20 side in the world. That speaks for itself on our preparation.”
“We will focus on our game, and take it as yet another fresh game where we need to give our best to win. There will be home advantage for the hosts (Bangladesh), but it is only fair. Any team will look to take home advantage, so fair play! We are prepared to play our best”, Ravi said when asked about the opponents for the final and the hype circulating it.
Source: BCB
