Bangladesh also advanced without taking the field, but the Tigers are hoping the weather will finally allow them to play when they face Pakistan in the last four.
Pakistan have struggled for consistency across formats in recent times and did not send their strongest squad to the Asian Games.
However, Bangladesh batter Yasir Ali Rabbi is refusing to take their semi-final opponents lightly.
“I wouldn’t call Pakistan a weak team. They are a very good side. Once we step onto the cricket field, every team is a good team. The team that plays better will win. We will give our best, In Sha Allah,” Yasir said.
He added that Bangladesh must stick to their process and play positive cricket, while conditions could also have a major influence on the match.
“We should maintain our process against every team and play positive cricket. A lot will depend on the wicket and the weather. We will see how things are and hopefully play accordingly,” he said.
Bangladesh have continued training in Japan despite the difficult weather conditions. With limited facilities and little opportunity for proper net and on-field practice, the players have had to adjust their preparations.
“We haven’t been able to practise properly, but we always try to keep ourselves mentally prepared and ready to stay in the game as much as possible. We couldn’t have gym sessions, but we came to the ground, trained on the football field and played football,” Yasir said.
“I think we have tried to keep ourselves mentally prepared as much as we could.”
Meanwhile, Najmul Hossain Shanto is returning to Bangladesh from Japan after falling ill and has been ruled out of the Asian Games. Shamim Hossain Patwari will replace him in the squad.
Yasir acknowledged that Shanto’s absence puts added responsibility on the rest of the batting unit.
“It’s unfortunate that Shanto is leaving because of illness. But what has happened has happened. Now I think our focus should be on what lies ahead. We have to move forward with the batting order we have, In Sha Allah,” he said.
