The power of life is infinite. It can take away a lot of happiness along with sorrow. A few days ago, Tawhid's heart used to look cheerful, but after the loss to Sri Lanka, it is no longer possible to look at that face. Zaker and Sohan also took him for a walk outside the hotel to cheer him up. However, Saif may be seen at number four today, adding to the 'heartache' of the fans. The team management has indicated that Nasum may also be kept in place of Rishad. We have to win against Afghanistan today - Spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed, standing with his back against the wall, spoke of hope. 'We have to believe in going for the super four and every player in the team has the belief that they can beat Afghanistan.' Before he arrived at the press conference, familiar journalists were talking - Mushtaq would say this in his characteristic philosophical manner.

As Zakir Ali said a few days ago after losing to Sri Lanka. However, Mushtaq has accepted that the task is difficult. 'Afghan spin bowling is very strong. We may have to face challenges especially in the middle overs.' In fact, no country has ever won a T20 against a Test team in this country. When there is disappointment in all eight matches, there is a strong urge for a last-ditch effort within the team. In fact, Abu Dhabi is the 'home venue' of Afghanistan cricket. A few months ago, Afghan cricket tied up with the Abu Dhabi Sports Hub. This is their cricket home for the next five years. But the team is not in this city for the Asia Cup. All of them have practiced in Dubai, where they will be staying. Even the official press conference about the Bangladesh match yesterday was held in Dubai. Bangladeshi journalists in Abu Dhabi have been requested to email their questions.

There was nothing much to ask of Afghan coach Jonathan Trott - the Afghans would field a spin-heavy XI in today's match, as was indicated in the previous match. 'The Bangladesh team has many match-winning cricketers. Besides, we play many matches with them, we also compete. It may be in Abu Dhabi, but we will win the match.' After the courtesy, he told the truth. He admitted that almost a week's rest after playing the first match had put them ahead.

Bangladesh has won five of the 11 times the two teams have met so far, but lost the rest. Liton and Rashid last met in the T20 World Cup last year. Where they had to restrict the Afghans to 111 runs but lost. And as usual, Rashid Khan spread panic by taking 4 wickets. Although the Bangladeshi pacers of the two teams are ahead in terms of strength and ability, they are behind in spin. On the other hand, the positions of the two teams in the middle order are close. If the Afghan batting lineup can restrict the two explosive top-order players Gurbaz-Zadran in a short time, the chances will be bright for Liton. However, the Afghan team is full of all-rounders. With the bat of Nabi, Omarzai, Janat and Rashid Khan, they can turn around from any situation. 'Actually, they have played so many foreign franchise tournaments that they are much ahead in experience.' Even after this simple admission, Mushtaq's words are 'faith'. 'We have to have faith. The team went from a situation against Sri Lanka to close to 140. "We can expect more than that against the Afghans." If 160 to 170 runs are scored in Abu Dhabi, the match will be a close one. Many have started calculating the run rate, but if Afghanistan wins today's match and loses to Sri Lanka, then there will be no ifs or buts. However, if it gets dark in Abu Dhabi today like it did that day, then the Litons will have to find an available flight to return to Dhaka the next day.