'Pakistan game is important'

Bangladesh have already confirmed a semifinal berth in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, but today's last Group B match against Pakistan still has a great deal of importance for home side skipper Mominul Haque.

Bangladesh won both their previous group stage matches against Hong Kong and Nepal by big margins, although their batting got a jolt in the second match before Nasir Hossain scored a hundred to take his team to safety.

"The first two matches were good for us. We won the first match quite comfortably, but had a collapse in our batting in the second and I think that collapse gave us a good message. Now we are looking forward to becoming group champions by winning the last group match against Pakistan," Mominul told reporters yesterday.

"I believe there is a scope for us to improve in all three departments despite getting good results in the first two games. And we have to play to our potential as our main target is to become champions. The last group match against Pakistan is important because we would like to go into the semifinal on a high note," he continued.

The two experienced cricketers in the hosts' side, Mominul and Nasir, have so far made great contributions to the team, but Mominul expressed optimism over the young cricketers.

"All our young players are capable of showing good performances and I am confident that they will show their character," he said.

Mominul also said that they had a good idea about Pakistan, who also confirmed their semifinal spot by winning their first two group matches.

“We have got a good idea about Pakistan. They have some senior players and we must target them to win the match."