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The Asia Cup 2023 opener is just around the corner. The teams are holding preparatory camps ahead of the mega event. But Bangladesh's rookie opener Mohammad Naim Sheikh tried a unique way to mentally prepare for the tournament. Naim walked on fire as part of 'mid-training' and the video is going viral on social media. The video has been shared by a verified account of Saif Ahmed on X, formerly known as Twitter.
In the video, Sheikh calmly walks on burning coal. He walked to the other side where there was a mat alongside a bucket of water. His ‘mind-trainer’ also lauded him by clapping.
Bangladesh will begin their Asia Cup 2023 campaign against co-hosts Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. They will also play their second group match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on September 3.
Naim has been picked as one of the opening options in the absence of former captain Tamim Iqbal who announced his retirement, then took a U-turn but was ruled out of Asia Cup due to a back injury.
“Tanzid has been brilliant in the last couple of years and has played tremendously well in the recently concluded Emerging Asia Cup,” BCB chief selector Minhajul Abedin had said while announcing the squad. “He is an attacking opener and could put up runs briskly. We have high hopes on him.”
He also explained why Mahmudullah was dropped from the squad. “There was long discussion regarding Mahmudullah. Team management has given a future plan. So considering all the factors, we have to exclude Mahmudullah,” he revealed.
The 23-year-old has played just four ODIs so far and scored 10 runs. His last ODI appearance was against Afghanistan in July 2023 where he registered an eight-ball duck.
Bangladesh’s Asia Cup squad: Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Litton Das, Tanzid Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Sheikh Mahedi, Nasum Ahmed, Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Mohammad Naim Sheikh.
Standby: Taijul Islam, Saif Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
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