‘Knew Saif can win us games’: Litton
Bangladesh captain Litton Das heaped praises on Saif Hassan and others after his side clinched a four-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the opening Super Four match in the Asia Cup at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing 169, Saif's knock of 61 off 45 balls set the base for the chase and Tawhid Hridoy's clinical 58 off 37 balls sealed the chase.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Saif had come into the tournament as a backup option and in the preceding series against Netherlands, batted in the middle-order.
But in the Asia Cup, the right-hander was slotted in the side in place of opener Parvez Hossain Emon for the Tiger's final Group B match against Afghanistan.
He didn't fluent in that match in Abu Dhabi, making 30 off 28 balls, but against Sri Lanka he was at his best, smashing four sixes and two fours in a sublime knock.
Litton, who made 23 off 16 himself, said that he had confidence in Saif's ability and believed that the 26-year-old prove himself to be an asset in the Asia Cup.
"I know Saif has the talent to win us games. We knew he will be a good batsman in the UAE. I know his character, and know his game," Litton said in the post-match ceremony.
Saif, on the other hand, thanked Litton for helping him during their 59-run stand off 34 balls for the second wicket.
"The wicket was very good. I tried to time the ball and held my shape. Litton da was helping me. He was supporting my game, he was anticipating my game. Very happy to contribute to my team," he said after the match.
The Bangladesh skipper also praised Mustafizur Rahman, who finished with 3-20 in his four overs, and said his side will take the confidence from this win into their next match, which will be against India on Wednesday.
"We know how effective Mustafizur is. It was a very good wicket. Mustafizur and Taskin [Ahmed] changed the game, with their 19th and 20th overs. It was looking at 190 at one time.
"Whenever you chase this type of game, you are pumped up for the next game. We have to come good again; new game new team, we have to bring our A game."
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