Asia Cup 2022: Rashid Khan says Shakib Al Hasan’s presence gives Bangladesh big boost – It makes a huge difference

Asia Cup 2022, Match 3: Bangladesh and Afghanistan are set to cross swords on Tuesday, August 30 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan reckoned Shakib Al Hasan’s presence gives Bangladesh a massive boost. On Tuesday, August 30, the Afghans are set to lock horns with the Tigers in Match No.3 of Asia Cup 2022 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Earlier this month, Shakib was named as Bangladesh’s T20I skipper, replacing Mahmudullah Riyad. Ahead of the match, Rashid stated that Afghanistan are focussed on the process rather than cluttering their minds about the result of the match.

"It will be different conditions in Sharjah tomorrow. Shakib [Al Hasan] is the skipper, the most experienced player in the side. It makes a huge difference. But we think about our process. It is in the players' minds. We know our roles and jobs tomorrow. We don't think about the result, whether we beat them or not,” Rashid was quoted as saying in the pre-match press conference.

Earlier, Dasun Shanaka, the Sri Lankan skipper, had said that Bangladesh are an easier opponent to face than Afghanistan. However, Rashid said that the Afghans will treat every opponent equally and won’t be undermining them by any stretch of the imagination.

"We don't think the opposition is weak or strong. You can't say that in cricket. It is something that you never handle the result of the game. For us, every opposition is tough. We have to take the opposition seriously, and be well prepared. If we are playing Hong Kong or India tomorrow, we will have the same preparation," he stated.

Afghanistan will go into the match after beating Sri Lanka by eight wickets in their first Group A match on Saturday, August 27 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.