Jaker Ali hopes for batting improvement in Rawalpindi

Jaker Ali is optimistic about Bangladesh’s Batting Performance in Pakistan for Upcoming Matches

Bangladesh batter Jaker Ali remains hopeful that his team will find their batting rhythm on Pakistan’s pitches during their upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 fixtures. After a challenging start to the tournament, where Bangladesh lost to India by six wickets, the team is now focusing on their crucial games against New Zealand and Pakistan on February 24 and 27, respectively, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Key Points from Jaker Ali’s Statement:

• Hopeful for Improved Batting in Pakistan:
  • Jaker Ali expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to adapt to the pitches in Pakistan, which he believes will suit their batting better.
  • “In those wickets (in Pakistan), I just hope that they can score runs. If there is a big score in opening or at the top, things become easy for us,” said Jaker, referring to the team’s batting strategy.
  • He noted that the wickets in Pakistan appeared favorable, especially after observing the recent Pakistan vs. New Zealand match.
• Confidence in a Comeback:
  • Despite their opening loss to India, Jaker Ali is optimistic about Bangladesh’s chances of making a comeback in the tournament.
  • “I still think we have a chance to make a comeback in the tournament. I think we still can perform better,” he emphasized.
  • Jaker acknowledged the team’s resilience, especially after being reduced to a precarious 35/5, highlighting the fighting spirit shown by the team during the game.
• Standout Partnership with Towhid Hridoy:
  • In a remarkable recovery, Jaker Ali scored 68 runs and formed a crucial 154-run partnership with Towhid Hridoy, who scored his maiden ODI century.
  • “It was difficult in the beginning. We lost five wickets trying to adapt to the conditions. Though it was difficult, we tried to put up a good score,” Jaker said, reflecting on their effort to stabilize the innings.
• Middle Overs Struggles:
  • Despite the middle overs’ efforts, Jaker admitted that Bangladesh could not finish their innings as strongly as they had hoped.
  • “We did well in the middle overs, but we could not finish well. If we could do a little better, it would have been good for us because the game could have been close,” he said, acknowledging their failure to capitalize on the recovery.
• Focused Approach at the Crease:
  • Jaker Ali shared that his approach during his innings was to play according to his plan, focusing on creating opportunities while keeping his intent intact.
  • “We were not thinking too far ahead and just concentrated on playing ball by ball, and there was no chance of seeing the scorecard,” Jaker explained, revealing how he and his partner focused on the immediate task of surviving and building a partnership.
• Survival on Hat-Trick Ball:
  • Jaker admitted that he was fortunate to survive Axar Patel’s hat-trick ball, especially after a crucial drop catch by Rohit Sharma at slip.
  • “It was difficult facing the first ball, and everyone knew it was the hat-trick ball. I understood after playing the first ball and changed my approach because I understood the conditions,” Jaker said, crediting his focus on a ball-by-ball approach following the drop.

Focus on Upcoming Matches

With New Zealand and Pakistan looming on the horizon, Bangladesh will be looking to build on their resilience and make the necessary adjustments. Jaker’s positive outlook and experience in overcoming early-game challenges are vital as Bangladesh looks to perform well across all aspects of the game in their remaining fixtures. The team is optimistic that, with a more consistent performance, they can still progress in the tournament and secure better results.