The Asia Cup will back to its old 50-over format when the 16th edition of the regional cricket extravaganza kicks off in Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30, after its recent edition featured the shortest format last year. As Bangladesh are gearing up for the six-team tournament under the leadership of all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, The Daily Star Sports looks back to the Tigers' performances in the 2018 Asia Cup in UAE, played in their preferred 50-over format. 

Wounded Tigers make it into Asia Cup final 

Bangladesh overcame a slew of obstacles and the crushing blow of ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan being ruled out on the morning of the match to achieve one of their best results -- a 37-run win over two-time champions Pakistan in their Asia Cup match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The win sets up a final with India for the Tigers, who made it into their third final in the last four editions of the tournament.

It was a clinical performance from Bangladesh, who had already lost Tamim Iqbal to an injury in the first game and had to deal with Shakib missing out just before the game.

The only time that Mashrafe Bin Mortaza's troops looked on the backfoot was when they lost three of their top-order batters – Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, and Mominul Haque – inside just 3.5 overs after 12 on the board. 

However, nerves were calmed by a 144-run fourth-wicket stand between Munshfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Mithun. Even though Mushfiqur became the first Bangladeshi batter to depart on 99 in international cricket, his innings, along with the 84-ball 60 from Mithun, had ensured the Tigers put on a competitive 239 in 48.5 overs. 

Mustafizur Rahman was once again brilliant with the ball, getting some movement from the beginning. He also got rid of a dangerous Babar Azam, trapping in front the right-hander in his very first over. 

Opener Imam-ul-Haq made 83 but figures of four for 43 in 10 overs from Mustafizur and Mehedi Hasan Miraz's miserly two for 28 ensued that the Tigers stroll into the final.