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DHAKA, Oct 17, 2024 (BSS) - Bangladesh has set its goal to reach the final of the ACC Emerging Asia Cup even though it is a tough job to do, said captain Akbar Ali.

The Emerging Asia Cup will kick off tomorrow (Friday) in Muscat, Oman where a total of eight teams will participate.

Apart from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, all other teams sent their national teams.

The four Test nations, however, sent their second string side for the tournament.

The Bangladesh A team, led by Akbar Ali left the country to take part in the match, yesterday (Wednesday) night.

“This kind of tournament is always challenging than the bilateral series but we are confident to play the final,” Akbar Ali said ahead of leaving the country for Muscat with his team.

“Apart from the Test nations, all other teams will play with their national team. The likes of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are always tougher even without their national team. But the teams which can cope with the condition quickly and play well on given day, will do well.”

Bangladesh A team is drawn in Group A along with Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

They will begin their campaign, taking on Hong Kong on October 18 before facing off Afghanistan and Sri Lanka on October 20 and 22 respectively.

India, Pakistan, UAE and hosts Oman are drawn in Group B.

Squad: Akbar Ali (Captain), Saif Hassan (Vice Captain), Parvez Hossain Emon, Naim Sheikh, Jishan Alam, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, Rakibul Hasan, Aliss Al Islam, Wasi Siddiquee, Abu Hider Rony, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Ripon Mondol, Maruf Mridha

Reserves: Jaker Ali Anik, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nasum Ahmed