From fear of elimination to hopes of playing final

In just a week, Bangladesh have found themselves in contrasting scenarios -- from fearing elimination after losing to Sri Lanka in the group stage to brightening their hopes of a fourth Asia Cup final with a win over the same side in the Super Four opener.

Journalists, who were ready to return home, are now planning to stay till the end. The worried faces of the players, once wrinkled with tension, are now lit up. One cricketer said, "Brother, we have nothing to lose now. Only things to gain." That belief seems to be working like a tonic within the team.

This turnaround began when Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan in the last group-stage match, helping the Tigers advance to the Super Four. But it wasn't just Sri Lanka's result that carried them forward. Litton Das and Co also beat Afghanistan in a gripping contest, ensuring the Afghans -- widely seen as finalists-in-waiting -- were eliminated early.

Before the Asia Cup, several Bangladeshi players had spoken about their dream of playing in the final. Some even dared to mention becoming champions. It was on them to prove those weren't just empty words.

Realistically, apart from India, the other four Test-playing teams in this tournament are not too far apart in strength. So, dreaming of a final wasn't far-fetched for Bangladesh.

After the win over Sri Lanka, the players spent yesterday resting at their team hotel. In the scorching UAE heat, recovery has become their biggest focus. They now have two full days of rest before back-to-back games against India and Pakistan on September 24 and 25.

What has further lifted spirits is the timely rise of key players. Towhid Hridoy, who had been struggling for form, finally stepped up. Even when he managed runs earlier, they came at such a slow pace that they hurt the team's cause.

Despite mounting criticism, the team management kept faith in him, even after poor batting and fielding displays in the group stage. Cornered and under pressure, Hridoy responded with a blazing 58 off 37 balls against Sri Lanka -- a joy for him and a bigger relief for the management.

Alongside Hridoy, Mustafizur Rahman continues to show why he remains Bangladesh's biggest T20 weapon. Except for one off game, the "cutter-master" has quietly done his job throughout the campaign.

The conditions too have suited Bangladesh. At this time of year, UAE pitches aren't flat, with matches being played on used tracks. That has worked well for the Tigers: on gripping wickets, Mustafizur is dangerous, spinners can thrive, and batters accustomed to medium-scoring tracks can pace their innings with confidence.

The omens also appear favourable. The last time Bangladesh reached the Asia Cup final in ODIs, back in 2018, it was at the same venue and on the same date -- September 28 -- at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Then too, their last group-stage match was against Pakistan, and on all three occasions they reached the final, they did so by beating Sri Lanka on the way.

But the Tigers would have to do their jobs in the rest of their Super Four games. Beating a strong India will be a tough ask, but a struggling Pakistan seem within reach. Win even one of those two matches, and the door to the September 28 final opens wide.