Running between wickets and sharp fielding could give Tigers edge in UAE: Bulbul

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul feels that running between the wickets and fielding are the two areas that the Tigers need to focus on to make a difference in the ongoing Asia Cup in UAE.

"This is the kind of format where teams perform similarly in bowling and batting departments. If we can get 15 extra runs from running between the wickets or save 10 runs while fielding, these 25 runs could be the deciding factor,"  Bulbul told reporters in Mirpur on Wednesday, after the end of the opening day of the three-day Run Scoring Workshop.

Bulbul, who has previously worked for the ICC in the UAE and has vast knowledge about the wickets and conditions of the Gulf nation, was also optimistic regarding Bangladesh's chances in the Asia Cup.

"I'm really expecting the side to go a long way. This is the kind of format where it's difficult to make any prediction. But I'm very confident with our team," said Bulbul.

After opening their campaign against Hong Kong today, Bangladesh will face Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in their remaining group fixtures in Abu Dhabi. Bulbul expected the Tigers to beat Afghanistan, who use the UAE as their home venue.

"Their [Afghanistan] venue is the UAE. A few days back, it was Abu Dhabi, but now it is Sharjah. They may get the home advantage. But the kind of skillset our players have, if they can give their best, I think they can do well," he added.