Nigar and Co eye Asia Cup final

Bangladesh women's cricket captain Nigar Sultana says reaching the final of the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup is her side's primary target, after repeated semifinal exits in the tournament.

"Our main target this time is to play in the final. We have played in the semifinals before and then been knocked out," Nigar said after an official photo session on Monday.

"The same thing has happened repeatedly, so we want to break that barrier this time."

Bangladesh leave for Dubai on August 26 for the Women's Asia Cup, which begins August 28. They are in Group B alongside defending champions Sri Lanka, the UAE and Indonesia.

Nigar said preparations, including two practice matches in Sri Lanka, had gone well.

"Our preparation has been very good because we have played quite a few practice matches this time. Preparation-wise, I think it has been very good," she said.

Bangladesh open against Indonesia on August 31, before facing Sri Lanka on September 6 and the UAE on September 8. The top two sides from each group advance to the semifinals.

Nigar said finishing top of Group B could help Bangladesh avoid India in the semifinals.

"If we can become group champions, we will not have to face India in the semifinal. The situation becomes much tougher when we face India in the semifinals," she said.

Nigar added that a strong Asia Cup campaign would set the tone for the Asian Games in Japan.

"If we can play the Asia Cup in a better way, it will also create a big opportunity for us in the Asian Games," she said.

Bangladesh, silver medallists in 2010 and bronze medallists in 2022, open their Asian Games campaign against China on September 17 in Aichi.

"Our first target is to go there and win a medal. If it is gold, that would be even bigger. We will certainly try to do that," Nigar said.