Tanzid Hasan Tamim has urged his team to focus on the “equation” for qualification rather than dwelling on past results, speaking at the post-match press conference in Abu Dhabi on 17 September. The Bangladesh opener’s comments come after their tense 8-run victory over Afghanistan in the DP World Asia Cup 2025, a win that keeps their hopes of reaching the Super Four alive.
Bangladesh now sit second in Group B with two wins from three matches, totalling 4 points, but they trail Sri Lanka in net run rate (–0.27 compared with Sri Lanka’s +1.546). With Afghanistan third on 2 points but holding the highest net run rate in the group (+2.150), Bangladesh’s progression depends on the outcome of the final group match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan on 18 September.
“If Sri Lanka win against Afghanistan, we progress,” Tanzid explained. “If they lose, the margin of defeat will determine our fate. We never look at it that way; every match is extremely important. The previous match was lost badly, and there’s nothing to say about that. Whenever we go out to play, we try to give 100 per cent.”
Bangladesh had started the tournament with a narrow win over Hong Kong and suffered a heavy defeat to Sri Lanka. Against Afghanistan, they raced to 59 runs in the first six overs but then slowed, finishing on 154 for 5. While they eventually bowled Afghanistan out, two sixes in the final over meant the winning margin remained small.
Tanzid addressed whether net run rate had influenced their approach: “Of course it was in our mind. We had the opportunity to increase the margin, but it didn’t happen. There’s nothing we can do now. The match had to be won, and we won, that is the most important thing.”
The Bangladesh captain emphasised moving forward rather than dwelling on the past. “I don’t want to regret it. What’s past is past. Now we will focus on the equation ahead,” he said. He also noted the recurring pattern in major tournaments where Bangladesh often have to calculate scenarios to reach the next stage, a trend familiar to fans who frequently comment on social media.
Bangladesh’s fate now rests on Sri Lanka’s result. If Afghanistan wins and the margin is large, Bangladesh could still be eliminated despite their victory. Conversely, a Sri Lankan win ensures Bangladesh advance alongside them into the Super Four stage.
