‘Upsets can happen’: Coach Salahuddin warns against complacency ahead of Malaysia tie

Bangladesh men's cricket team coach for the forthcoming Asian Games 2026 Mohammad Salahuddin on Sunday cautioned his side against taking the upcoming quarterfinal against Malaysia lightly, stressing that upsets remain a real possibility in knockout cricket.

"In tournaments like this, upsets can happen. The toss can also become a factor. That is why every match is very important." Salahuddin told reporters in Japan.

Owing to their superior ranking, the Tigers will begin their Asian Games campaign from the quarterfinal stage, where they will face off against Malaysia on Tuesday.

Bangladesh, ranked eighth in the T20I rankings, are the clear favourites against an Associate side like Malaysia, ranked 25th.

But coach Salahuddin remained cautious, saying, "We cannot assume that we have already won. We have to go out there and earn the victory.”

Bangladesh have sent a near full-strength side for the Games, aiming for a gold.

But Salahuddin was against looking too far ahead, urging his side to take one step at a time.

“We need to play the quarterfinal first. It is a pressure match because it is a knockout game. There will always be pressure in the knockout stage.

“We need to remain serious about that match. We can think about the next one afterwards.”

If Bangladesh overcomes the Malaysia challenge, they will face the winner of the first quarterfinal between Pakistan and Hong Kong on October 1.

The final will take place on October 3.