The Asia Cup has so far followed the script of a Bollywood blockbuster. After India and Pakistan won their opening matches and Pakistan beat Sri Lanka, a win over Bangladesh would have sent the archrivals into the final, but India's dramatic loss to the hosts changed all that.
With both the World Cup finalists out of the tournament, the stage is set for the hosts to etch this tournament forever in their history with a win over Pakistan in the final just days before the country celebrates its 42nd Independence Day on March 26. “It is by far the biggest achievement of the country,” said Tamim Iqbal, who played crucial knocks in the wins over India and Sri Lanka. Tamim was kept out of the initial squad and was only included at the last minute.

“Even if we don't win on Thursday that would take nothing away from the way we have played in the three matches in this tournament. I always thought we were a side who could fight against big oppositions but we could not finish off matches. We have begun to change all that,” Shakib Al Hasan, the No. 2 all-rounder in the ICC rankings, told HT.

After Bangladesh ran Pakistan close and upstaged India and Sri Lanka, Younis Khan was guarded. “Bangladesh are chasing well. If they get to bat second , we don't know what will happen.”