‘Champion teams have to have bouncebackability’

Former Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque was part of the team when the Asia Cup was last played in the ODI format in 2018 where the Tigers reached the final. With another Asia Cup around the corner, the 31-year-old thinks the Tigers have a good opportunity to do something special this time. The cricketer from Cox's Bazar spoke to The Daily Star's Mazhar Uddin in an exclusive interview, sharing his views regarding which aspects the Tigers can bank on to lift their maiden continental title. The excerpts of the interview are given below:  

The Daily Star (DS): You were part of the team when Bangladesh reached the final of the Asia Cup in 2018. How do you see Bangladesh's chances this time around? 

Mominul Haque (MH): We were in good shape at that time, however, unfortunately, we have been unable to become champions till now. I still remember the defeat to Pakistan in the final of 2012. I think this time is a big opportunity for us. From past experience, we know what are the hurdles we need to overcome to become champions. We have a few senior players who played in the past finals as well.

DS: Do you feel Bangladesh need to win a title as a team to move forward, and what are the barriers that are stopping us? 

MH: We have been playing international cricket for over 20 years now and we have quite a few players who have played over 200 matches. So from that perspective, I feel we really need to win a title. We are a very good ODI side and our record speaks for itself.

DS: Who can be the key players for Bangladesh this time around? 

MH: I don't know whether you will agree with me or not, but both times we reached the final of the Asia Cup, we had good bowling attacks. I think our bowling unit has improved a lot and a lot will depend on them. If we score around 240-250, our bowling unit can defend that. Our pace bowlers are doing well and we also have two world-class spinners in Shakib Al Hasan and Mehedi Hasan Miraz. 

DS: When compared with teams like India or Pakistan, what are the areas we need to overcome when it comes to tackling such big teams? 

MH: Overall, we have a very settled team with good batting, spin department, and pace unit along with a world-class all-rounder. We have all the ammunition to become a complete team with the mixture of youth and experience. We have some fit fielders who can save runs inside the 30-yard circle. But when you want to win a tournament of Asia Cup's stature, it is important to be tough mentally. It is important to cope up with the pressure and deliver in crunch situations. 

DS: We always talk about the importance of momentum. In brief tournaments like the Asia Cup, where does Bangladesh need to start from?

MH: There are many big teams who lose the first two matches of a tournament but go on to play in the final. Champion teams are those that are able to absorb the most pressure. Momentum doesn't matter for those who can handle pressure. If you want to become champion you may lose one game but you have to have the ability to bounce back.

DS: How important is it for all the players to know their specific roles and contribute towards the team's victory? 

MH: If you look at the history of World Cups, you will notice at least five players from champion teams have contributed in a game. Shakib [Al Hasan] bhai played really well in the last World Cup but if two or three more players had performed regularly, then we would have had a chance to win the World Cup. It has to be a collective approach from the team to get the results in big tournaments.