KEY POINTS
- Coach Phil Simmons says Bangladesh can beat India if they seize the moment.
- Skipper Litton Das suffers back strain ahead of crucial Super Four clash.
DUBAI: Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons expressed confidence in his side’s ability to challenge favourites India in their Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash on Wednesday, saying the contest will be decided by performance on the day rather than past records.
Despite India’s dominant run so far, Simmons believes that the game will be decided by performance on the day, not past records.
“Every team can beat India. It’s all about those three and a half hours,” said Simmons confidently during a pre-match media session. “We’ll aim to play our best cricket and put pressure on India to make mistakes, that’s how you win against strong teams.”
Simmons also stressed the importance of belief and grabbing key moments in the match.
“There’s a real sense among the players that we can do this,” he added. “If we get a chance in the game, we must grab it and not let go.”
While the numbers don’t favour Bangladesh, with just one T20I win over India in 17 matches, and none in multinational events, the team is looking to defy history with grit and belief.
However, a cloud of concern looms over the squad as captain Litton Das suffered a back strain during training at the ICC Academy Ground on Sunday. The 30-year-old appeared in discomfort after attempting a square cut and was assessed immediately by the team physio.
A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official later said, “From the outside, he seems okay, but we’ll need to assess him medically before confirming his availability.”
With or without their captain, Bangladesh are ready to give their all, hoping to rewrite the script in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
