KATHMANDU, Oct 12: Bangla-desh will take on Malaysia in the final of the 2nd ACC Trophy at the Tribhuvan University ground tomorrow. Weather permitting, the 50-over-a-side affair will kick off at 9 am. Star TV will cover the contest of the two apparently unequal opponents Live from the spectacular venue.
Defending champions Bangladesh, who made it to the final in style, eliminating reigning runners-up UAE by six wickets in the first semifinal, looked confident to cross the final hurdle in a repeat clash with Malaysia.
The Malaysians, who conceded a huge 141-run defeat to Bangladesh in their group league match, pulled off a stunning 41-run victory against fancied Hong Kong in the second semifinal. The win enabled the Southeast Asian cricketers to earn a dream passage to a final of any international meet.
Although the mood ahead of the last battle is quite upbeat, the pressure will certainly be on Bangladesh against a rather carefree Malaysia, who will be there in the middle with nothing to lose but every to gain. For Bangladesh, a victory will be the deserving ticket for the next Asia Cup in Dhaka and a welcome change after the chronic failures in international circuit over the last 19 months.
``They must be a very good side that's why they are in the final. We are not taking them lightly. They are a very spirited side. But if we can play up to our potential we are going to win the Cup.'' said skipper Aminul after the morning practice session at the St. Xaviers School ground today.
``No doubt we are the better side compared to Malaysia. But in a limited over match you will have to perform on the given day. If we can click in the nick of time there is no way Malaysia can beat us'', said a confident Aminul adding that Bangladesh is going to field the same eleven that played against UAE in the semifinal.
``I'm not thinking about the under-prepared wickets here. It will be all the same for both sides'', said Aminul.
His deputy Khaled Mahmud said that the substandard tournament has hardly helped our cause apart from lifting our tarnished image.
``This type of tournament will hardly improve our standard. But to win this meet is very important for us. Because the expectation at home is enormous'', said Khaled Mahmud adding that he always enjoys the challenging job at any level of cricket.
But it was former national captain Faruque Ahmed who came up with the apropos conclusion, ``Malaysia can not beat us. But we can throw away a victory which I think is always on the card''.
The Malaysian captain Romesh Menon did not hesitate to show respect to their more experienced opponents, but said that they will fight till the last ball was bowled. ``They are worthy opponents. But we are not ready to resign without a fight'', said Romesh.