Bangladesh primed to make multiple changes in must-win Asia Cup clash

Bangladesh are bracing for sweeping changes as they gear up for a must-win Asia Cup encounter against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Following a disappointing display against Sri Lanka, where glaring shortcomings left the team under heavy criticism, Litton Das's side looks set to ring in multiple changes in the playing eleven in their third and final group stage fixture.

On the eve of the crunch clash, the mood in the nets hinted at the looming reshuffle. Saif Hassan was given extended instructions from assistant head coach Mohammad Salahuddin, while Taskin Ahmed worked alongside Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Meanwhile, spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed closely monitored Nasum Ahmed and Shak Mahedi's bowling drills; the tension of the situation was visible despite attempts to remain upbeat.

Team sources suggest at least three changes are on the cards. Towhid Hridoy's continued lean run has put his place under the scanner, while the inconsistency of the openers has only added to the concerns. Saif, with his ability to bat both at the top and in the middle order, is being considered as a replacement. The likelier scenario, however, is that Hridoy makes way while the opening pair remains intact.

Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, meanwhile, is set to be dropped after failing to adjust to the Abu Dhabi dimensions. His one over against Sri Lanka went for 18 runs, with deliveries sprayed untidily down the leg side. Left-arm spinner Nasum is the frontrunner to replace him.

A change in the pace attack also appears inevitable. Taskin Ahmed is poised to return after missing the last game, but whether Shoriful Islam or Mustafizur Rahman will sit out remains undecided. Mustafiz, despite his reputation, struggled against Sri Lanka, leaking runs and looking far from his best. Shoriful, though wicketless, was more economical.

Mushtaq Ahmed has been rallying the players with one mantra: "belief." He frequently repeats it in training, drawing on lessons instilled by Pakistan legends Imran Khan and Javed Miandad during his own playing days. For Bangladesh, clinging to "belief" may be the only way to turn their fortunes around.

Probable Bangladesh starting line-up:

Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das, Saif Hassan, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain Patwary, Shak Mehedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.