Belief. That was the buzzword as Mushtaq Ahmed , Bangladesh's spin consultant, addressed a press conference ahead of his team's must-win Asia Cup fixture against Afghanistan.

Bangladesh's chastening defeat to Sri Lanka with 32 balls to spare dented a net run-rate that should've received a bigger fillip when they beat Hong Kong. That they took 17.4 overs to knock off 144 despite having a platform was criticised from several quarters.

That means Bangladesh won't be able to control their fate even if they win, since Afghanistan and Sri Lanka play the last group game of the pool.

"You have to believe. The coaches and management keep telling the players that belief is very important," Mushtaq said. "It's difficult, of course, having to rely on ifs and buts, but you have to concentrate

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