PAK vs BAN, ODI World Cup 2023: Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is still optimistic about finishing well in the ongoing ODI World Cup with a few remaining matches despite a horrible campaign so far.
Bangladesh currently stand in the ninth spot in the 10-team points table with just one win in five matches under their belt as their chance to make it to the final four is almost over.
They will be up against Pakistan in their next match in Kolkata on Tuesday as skipper Shakib mentioned that his side is motivated enough to finish higher in the standings and qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025.
"I think more than me, the whole team talked about what we need to do. There is a lot to play for. As you know, we have to win to be able to qualify for the Champions Trophy. That's an important target I think we can set at this moment and to do that we have to win. We have no other options and that's what we would look to do," Shakib said in the pre-match press conference.
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Notably, the top seven teams at the end of the league stage of World Cup 2023 along with hosts Pakistan will feature in the Champions Trophy in 2025.
Shakib himself has had a poor campaign in the ongoing tournament and has managed to score just 61 runs in five matches so far.
Bangladesh began their campaign with a win over Afghanistan but they failed to carry the momentum and suffered the back to back losses against England, New Zealand, India, South Africa, and the Netherlands.
They were stunned by the Netherlands who clinched a comfortable 87-run win at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on October 28.
Ahead of the match, Shakib went back home to train with his personal coach but failed to make it count against the Dutch in Kolkata.
He went on to say that the team is ready to capitalise with the performances on the field as enough has been said about their disappointing campaign already.
"We talked about it, how can we overcome the situation we are in now, but we have to show it in action. Talk is cheap when it's not working. So, we'll do it at the ground so the action can take care of it and everyone can see it," Shakib added.
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After the Pakistan game, Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka on November 6 and Australia on November 11 in their last two league matches.