Asia Cup 2018: Mortaza planning to throw tough challenge against India

After brutally hammering Pakistan, Bangladesh is eyeing to win the final clash against India

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza says his injury-struck side will have to improve considerably in all departments to challenge India in the Asia Cup final here Friday. Bangladesh stunned Pakistan by 37 runs in the last Super Four match on Wednesday night to set up a summit clash with defending champions India.

“We always know that India are a serious side and the number one side the world. We still need to improve a bit of our batting and bowling,” Mortaza said after the match.

“We will be missing Shakib (Al Hasan) and Tamim (Iqbal) but the boys have shown character and one match to go, and hopefully the boys will play hard,” he added.

Praising his team for the crucial win, Mortaza said, “The bowlers did a good job, especially when we didn't get the runs. I think we changed our combination a bit. Usually, I open the bowling, but today we started with (Mehidy Hasan) Miraz. Mushi (Mushfiqur Rahim) and (Mohammad) Mithun batted really well.”

Mortaza's blinder of a catch at mid-wicket to dismiss Shoaib Malik off Rubel Hossain's bowling in the 21st over was one of the turning points of the match.

“I was lucky that I didn't drop my catch, because Shoaib Malik was in such good form, but all over the fielding was really good. Long time we haven't seen this quality of fielding in our time, so hopefully, the boys can understand the value of good fielding."

Earlier, Bangladesh rode on a fighting 99 by Mushfiqur and Mithun's 60 to recover from 12-3 in 4.2 overs and post 239 all out in 48.5 overs.