Can Bangladesh repeat their Asia Cup wonders?

When it comes to tales of the Asia Cup, Bangladesh are the team that have always been so close, yet so far, reaching the final of the tournament three times but failing to lift the trophy even once.

With the 15th edition of the multinational tournament set to kick off from today, Shakib Al Hasan and his troops will be looking to pass the first hurdle in their opening game against Afghanistan on August 30 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Bangladesh, placed in Group B, will face a stiff challenge afterwards on September 1 as well, when they take on the other team in their group, Sri Lanka. Coupling the fact that only the top two teams from each group will qualify with Bangladesh's current scenario in the shortest format of the game, things look quite difficult for the Tigers.

Bangladesh have been in turmoil in recent times, especially in the shortest format of the game where performances have been below-par, leaving the team management desperate for stability.

After a lot of drama, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) eventually named Shakib captain of the T20 side for the upcoming Asia Cup. In that same quest to revive the Tigers' T20 fortunes, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) also took further drastic steps, relieving head coach Russell Domingo from his duties in the shortest format just ahead of the flagship event.

Sridhar Sriram, who was roped in as the Tigers 'technical consultant', is expected to guide the coaching staff in the absence of a head coach in the Asia Cup.

However, questions can be raised whether such dramatic moves just days before an important tournament will help a demotivated Bangladesh turn around their disappointing performances.

Regardless, the Asia Cup is a platform that Bangladesh can take plenty of positives from, having reached the final thrice in the past four editions.

This edition will also serve as a crucial platform as part of the build-up for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and, with that in mind, the team management will look to fix a few things, especially in a batting line-up decimated by injuries that is now left with just two recognised openers in the form of Anamul Haque and young Parvez Hossain Emon.

Interestingly, team director Khaled Mahmud hinted before travelling to the UAE that the team management would experiment in the opening slots, adding that even players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib could open the innings if needed.

Experience can also play a huge role in high-pressure situations and the likes of Mahmudullah Riyad, Mushfiqur and Shakib will hope to use that to prevent any top order collapses while there will also be keen eyes on young Afif Hossain, who has shown great promise recently.

While the Tigers' think-tank may have not mentioned their challenges in the bowling department, the fact is that it will play a major role if Bangladesh are seriously eying success in the tournament.

Mustafizur Rahman is still struggling with injury and it is doubtful whether he will recover ahead of the opening game against Afghanistan, meaning the likes of Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain and Mohammad Saifuddin will take the responsibility in the pace-bowling line-up.

Shakib will lead the spin-bowling department, with another left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed in the squad. The Tigers may also opt for all-round options such as Mosaddek Hossain, Mahmudullah and Afif in the spin department.