Mashrafe confident Bangladesh can reach Asia Cup final

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza believes Bangladesh stand a very good chance of playing in the final of the Asia Cup.

The hosts, who are second on the points table behind India, will take on Pakistan in their fourth pool phase game.

The Tigers will take on the two-time winners at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday.

Mashrafe and his men lost their opening match against India. But they bounced back with back-to-back wins against the United Arab Emirates and holders Sri Lanka in the following matches.

A win against Pakistan will make Bangladesh strong contenders for a spot in the final.

Bangladesh will draw inspiration from their memories of victory against Pakistan in a one-off Twenty20 match in the bilateral series last year.

"I would say it (winning against Pakistan) is very much possible. But tomorrow's match will be a new one. Chances of playing in the final will go up for the team that will win," Mashrafe said on Tuesday.

Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat in their first match against India before winning unconvincingly against the UAE.

Mashrafe, however, is not taking Pakistan lightly.

"Pakistan have won the World T20 once. Apart from that, their players play in T20s tournaments in different places," Mashrafe said.

"We've made a new start, trying out many things in practice. We are moving forward."

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has made a fine comeback to international cricket after serving a five-year ban.

He has left the batsmen bemused in this tournament. Mashrafe insists he will be Pakistan's biggest weapon.

"Amir can pick up early wickets and can bowl all sorts of deliveries. He is very important for them (Pakistan). It will be great if we can play the early overs without giving him a wicket."