|| CF DESK ||

In a thrilling T20 encounter against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh batter-keeper Jaker Ali Anik showcased his mettle. The wicket-keeper stated his BPL experience helped him to make an illustrious debut against Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series.

Jaker smashed a blistering maiden fifty and finished on 68 off 34 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and six sixes. He almost single-handedly tried to win the game while chasing a 207-run target, but Bangladesh fell short of just three runs.

"I think it [the experience of BPL] worked as I was playing here just two days after the BPL. So, I think it worked well for me coming from that atmosphere and playing the T20 format. Since this is my home ground I have an idea about the ground and surface and it worked for me," Jaker told the media.

Off-spinner Aliss Al Islam’s injury paved the way for Jaker to enter the national fold at the last minute. Jaker informed that he was mentally prepared for his chance and confident to flourish in the given opportunity.

"I always said that I will play for the national team when the time would finally come, and eventually my turn came. I was mentally prepared since the injury of Aliss, after which [Najmul Hossain] Shanto spoke with me and told me that 'you might get a chance and be prepared mentally'. So, yes, I was prepared," he said.

Jaker rued for not being able to finish the match on their side but he was determined to make a strong comeback in the next match.

"Losing is always heart-breaking. I didn't sleep the night after losing the BPL final. I would have felt great if we could have won today. I am planning for the next match already. We can take plenty of positives from today's game," he said.