Bangladesh's Asia Cup Hopes on the Line: Mushtaq Highlights Afghanistan Spin Threat in Crucial Showdown

Bangladesh spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed admitted on Monday (September 15) that he is concerned about their batting in the middle overs as they gear up for a do-or-die Asia Cup T20 clash against Afghanistan at the Abu Jayed Cricket Stadium on September 16.

Afghanistan's biggest strength lies in their spin arsenal, led by skipper Rashid Khan, veteran Mohammad Nabi, left-arm prodigy Noor Ahmad, and rising talent AM Ghazanfar - a combination tailor-made for the UAE conditions.

"I think the spin department (of Afghanistan) is the biggest threat. They are very good in the middle overs especially. If we can counter that phase well and put a decent score on the board, then I think we can challenge because our bowling unit is also very good. So, I am more concerned about the middle overs," said Mushtaq.

A defeat on Tuesday will end Bangladesh's campaign, while a win will still leave them at the mercy of permutations. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will take confidence from having won two of their last three meetings against Afghanistan, and Mushtaq stressed the importance of belief.

"We have to believe that we can qualify. It's difficult when you rely on 'ifs and buts,' but you have to concentrate on the next match and win that first," Mushtaq said.

"I think little doubts occur when you lose quick wickets early on, like four or five in no time. You have to tell your batsmen that those things happen, but you must move on very quickly. If you don't, and keep living in the past, progress will be very slow. Our duty as coaches is to remind them not to go into a shell, not to lose confidence, and to keep believing."

On Rishad Hossain, who has struggled in the tournament, Mushtaq said the young leg-spinner needs to simplify his approach. "Sometimes as a young leg-spinner, he forgets. When you're trying too many variations in one over, especially early on, you start losing your line and length. Funny enough, you asked this question; I spoke to him today before we came to the nets," said Mushtaq.

"His strength is to remember the first three balls - you have to bowl in good areas, get confidence, and then bring in variation. He has to learn that quicker and also understand which deliveries to bowl depending on the situation. That's very important," he explained.

"As a spin-bowling coach, I always tell them: you must stick to your process. If you figure out your process and read the conditions and batsmen, and just keep landing in good areas, you'll succeed. A good ball is a good ball for any batsman on any pitch. Good balls build good overs, and good overs build confidence. That's the process Rishad needs to remember," he said, adding that his role is to keep reminding the youngster of that process in the nets.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott said his side had benefited from the short break since their win over Hong Kong.

"Starting a tournament can make you a little nervous, so it was good to get that win in the first game. We'd played six games in 12 days before that, so having a bit of a break was nice and refreshing before the big game tomorrow," Trott said.

"We've had quite a few games against Bangladesh over the years and they've always been good contests. We're definitely looking forward to it and want to make sure we end up on the winning side," he added.

"Bangladesh always have match-winners, so for us it's a good challenge. I'm happy with the break; we're refreshed mentally and physically, especially with the heat here. It gave us a chance to recharge before what will hopefully be a busy next stage. If we play well tomorrow and do the business in Abu Dhabi, the schedule will have worked in our favour," said Trott.