Nidahas Trophy: Shakib Al Hasan has set his target ahead of the big final

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Shakib is confident ahead of the big final. File Pic

XtraTime Web Desk: Bangladesh limited overs skipper Shakib Al Hasan today said that Mahmudullah Riyad has kept his promises by taking the Tigers to the big final of the Nidahas Trophy and now it’s his  turn to take his side to the trophy.

“Riyad bhai fulfilled his target as the captain, but maybe I have a new target. I think goals are set realistically,” the champion all-rounder told reporters ahead of Sunday’s final against India.

As per Shakib if his players treat the final as a normal game between bat and ball, it would help them to remain focused.

“We haven’t discussed the final so we are not thinking about it as pressure yet,” Shakib said. “This, I think, is a big realisation of how we are handling this game so far. If you think about pressure, it is pressure. If you don’t think about pressure, it is not pressure. I am sure everyone is relaxed, and if we can be like this till tomorrow’s match, it will be good for us.

“We are not thinking too far ahead. We have to be relaxed and open-minded. It is important to be mentally free to do well in T20s. I hope no one takes any pressure, and stays focused on the process. Everyone has a different mentality. I would hope that none of our players have that mental block. It would help us to play well. If we think it is a big final against India, then it is pressure. Rather, let’s think about a bat versus ball contest.”

The Bangladesh skipper feels that they will need a good start in the game and then hold on to the momentum.

“We have a fair idea of what the Indian batsmen like to do,” Shakib said. “They are quite experienced, so we will try not to make it comfortable for them. We have to start well in the game, and then hold on to the momentum.”

On being asked who broke the glass in the dressing room, Shakib replied,” “I don’t know. Let what happened yesterday remain like that. Don’t bring it to today or tomorrow’s game. Let us just focus on the final.”