Litton Das Bent On Taking Bangladesh To Asian Games Final

Litton Das vows Asian Games glory for Bangladesh [Source - AFP]The Bangladesh cricket team is gearing up to take flight for Japan for the upcoming 2026 Men’s T20 Asian Games. Led by Litton Das, the team will leave for Japan on September 24 in two batches.It is worth noting that Bangladesh is the only team in history to have clinched a medal in each of the three editions of men’s cricket at the Asian Games held so far. However, this time captain Das is aiming to repeat Bangladesh’s 2010 glory by securing either a gold or silver medal for his country.Litton Das eyes gold or silver medal for BangladeshWhile speaking with the reporters a day before Bangladesh team’s departure from Dhaka, national captain Litton Das said that his team is “well prepared” for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Japan.The cricketer also added that his team is keen to reach the final, which would pretty much guarantee at least a silver medal, if not gold, for his country. Also Read- Bangladesh Cricket Board Announces New Tournament Amid BPL UncertaintyHe said “I feel we are very well prepared, and the target is definitely clear. Since we are going into a tournament, we want to reach the final and hopefully do something good there.”Litton Das also explained that his team has played two practise games off late to get back into groove following their three-match T20I tour of Zimbabwe from a couple of months ago.He added “The preparation has been very good. We have had the opportunity to play two practice games after a long time. As you know, our last T20I series was in Zimbabwe, so these practice games have given us an opportunity to build our bonding as a team.”Bangladesh men’s team followed Women’s Games, says captainLitton Das further signified the occasion of the Asian Games, calling it a “rare tournament” for his players. When asked about how Bangladesh will adjust to the unknown playing conditions in Japan, the explosive top-order batter explained that his team closely followed the recently-concluded Women’s T20 Asian Games to get a fair bit of idea.He said “You get franchise leagues or national team assignments regularly, but this tournament is a rare opportunity. Every player is excited, and we will all try to fulfil what would be a bigger dream for us. Conditions we are trying to assess. We have watched the women's games. We have gathered what we need from those games.”How has Bangladesh performed in recent T20Is?Litton Das’ ambitious speech aside, Bangladesh’s recent T20I form leaves much to be desired. While the team won its last T20I series assignment back in July in Zimbabwe by a 2-1 margin, the Bangladesh cricket team got blown away by an understrength Australian unit at home back in June.In May, Bangladesh also levelled its three-match series against New Zealand 1-1 at home, and pulled itself out of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. While the World Cup boycott was driven by political tensions, it also deprived Bangladesh of a major competitive opportunity this year. Bangladesh schedule at Asian Games 2026 in JapanMuch like the ‘big three’ teams of Asia, Bangladesh will also get a direct entry into the quarter-finals. They will face the toppers of Group B in the fourth quarterfinal of the Asian Games 2026 on September 29 at the Kōrogi Sports Park in Nisshin.A win in the quarterfinal and another in the subsequent semifinals on October 1 at the same venue will pretty much guarantee a top two finish for the Bangladesh team.Also Read- Pakistan Told To Follow India; Babar Azam And Co Given New Task