Tigers Eye Redemption Against Afghanistan in Sharjah
The stage is set once again for Bangladesh cricket, and this time it’s in Sharjah, where the Tigers are preparing to lock horns with Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series. The opening game is scheduled tonight at 9:00 pm Bangladesh time, and the mood in the camp is a mix of determination and quiet reflection.
This series comes right after a bitterly disappointing Asia Cup campaign for Bangladesh. The wounds are still fresh from their failure to chase down a modest target of 135 against Pakistan—a match that cost them a spot in the final. To add to their troubles, captain Liton Das has been sidelined with an injury, leaving the leadership role in the hands of Jaker Ali. The absence of Liton is seen as a major blow, both for his batting contributions and his growing influence as a leader. Jaker admitted it was tough news for the squad, but he insisted that the focus must now shift toward making amends in this series.
Also Read:- Celtic and Braga Set for Crucial Europa League Clash
- Zimbabwe Outclass Kenya to Reach T20 Africa Final
Adding to the drama, Soumya Sarkar, who was named Liton’s replacement, has been stuck due to visa complications. The team management has assured that the Bangladesh Cricket Board is working on resolving the issue, but Soumya is expected to miss the opening match. That leaves Bangladesh with a thinner batting line-up at a time when the batting unit has already been under intense scrutiny.
It has been openly acknowledged that batting failures were the root cause of their Asia Cup struggles. Jaker himself pointed out that the team’s primary objective now is to regroup and function as a collective batting force. He emphasized the need for composure and execution, saying that while the Asia Cup brought plenty of disappointment, it also offered lessons that the squad hopes to carry forward into this series.
The Sharjah Stadium, where tonight’s contest will unfold, carries its own weight of history. For Afghanistan, it is almost like home—they have played here regularly, including a recent tri-series against UAE and Pakistan. For Bangladesh, however, memories are not as sweet. Earlier this year, they suffered a shocking T20I series loss against the UAE at this very venue. Jaker admitted those defeats still sting, but he stressed that cricket is about showing up on the day and performing as a unit.
As stand-in captain, Jaker has taken a calm approach to his new role. He said he isn’t overthinking the responsibility but rather focusing on executing team plans and leading by example in the middle. His goal is simple: to steady the ship and keep the players focused on their strengths.
So, tonight’s game is more than just another T20 match. For Bangladesh, it’s a chance to shake off the scars of the Asia Cup and rediscover their rhythm. For Afghanistan, it’s an opportunity to use their familiarity with Sharjah to put pressure on a side that is still finding its feet. The Tigers may be wounded, but with determination and the right mindset, they are ready to roar again.
Read More:
0 Comments