Pakistan favourites, but Bangladesh have chance to win: Rhodes

Abu Dhabi - The coach feels the slowness of Abu Dhabi wicket will help batsmen counter Pakistan's pace battery.

Dubai-Abu Dhabi shuttle, sweltering heat, top-order batting woes and an unpredictable Pakistan sets up a challenging contest for Bangladesh, coach Steve Rhodes said ahead of the virtual semifinal clash of the Asia Cup 2018.
Rhodes noted that Pakistan were the favourites but Bangladesh still had a 'great chance'.
"Pakistan, let's be honest, will be the favourites for this contest but that puts us in a nice position. They know that we are a dangerous team. To go into the game as a slight underdog, we can really make that work for us."
He hoped Pakistan will be off-colour on Wednesday.
"They are tough but an unpredictable team. I am hoping they will have an off day. We don't know what Pakistan is going to turn up," he said.
Rhodes pointed out that Pakistan doesn't have the same confidence that helped them lift the Champions Trophy 2017. "They (Pakistan) are playing with a little lack of confidence. But they are very dangerous team. On their day they can really pull things together and play some good cricket. We are also a dangerous team. So, it will be a great contest."
The coach admitted that after three failures, opener Nazmul Hossain Shanto's spot is being looked at.
"He is a fine young talent. It is a bit of concern," the coach said. "We have dug ourselves out of tough situations. But if we get a good start, it will make life very easier."
As batting worries remain, the coach hoped the slowness of Abu Dhabi wicket will help batsmen counter Pakistan's pace battery.
"The wicket in Abu Dhabi tends to be on the slow side. It might be a good thing and may make the ball come onto the bat nicely. It will be interesting to see if their pace will actually make the wicket play well for our batsmen," said the former wicketkeeper-batsman from England.
Rhodes felt rest is the only way to freshen up in such hot conditions and gave an off day to everyone on Monday and made it optional practice on Tuesday.
"It's been a tough schedule with lots of travel. Abu Dhabi is a long journey. We stay in the far-end of Dubai so perhaps that's an extra half hour. The travel as well as the conditions has been very difficult," Rhodes said and added the two-day break has ensured that players are in a good frame of mind.
Many players including Mustafizur Rahman and Imrul Kayes had suffered cramps in their last match.
"We are certainly a lot better and looking forward to the challenge. To be in the semifinal is what we wanted when we set off from Bangladesh. We wanted to be in this position to try and beat Pakistan and get through to a wonderful final against India," the coach said.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Asia Cup 2019