Exclusive: Jaker Ali Looks to Finish Strong as Bangladesh Wraps Up Campaign

Bangladesh’s new-kid-on-the-block, Jaker Ali, likes to keep things simple. The right-handed batsman is well aware that results won’t always be in his favour, but he remains committed to following his process.

Jaker has shown steady progress since making his international debut and now looks poised to take up the finisher’s role in Bangladesh’s 50-over setup. 

Despite his impressive performances in the ongoing Champions Trophy—scoring 68 and 45 against India and New Zealand—his efforts ultimately went in vain as Bangladesh faced elimination ahead of their final group-stage match against Pakistan on February 27 in Rawalpindi.

ACCEPTING UPS AND DOWNS AS PART OF THE GAME

While speaking to SportsBoom.com, Jaker acknowledged the challenges of maintaining form but emphasised the importance of sticking to his method.

“I know that I won’t be scoring runs all the time, but what’s important is that I maintain my process. Losing it will only complicate things,” Jaker told SportsBoom.com. 

“I cannot guarantee any outcome, but what I can assure is that I take the right kind of preparation, which will help me handle all kinds of pressure in the middle.”

Jaker’s approach to the game is rooted in discipline and patience. His ability to remain calm under pressure has been noted by coaches and teammates alike. 

He believes that success comes with consistency, and as long as he keeps his fundamentals strong, the results will eventually follow. He also stresses the importance of mental resilience, stating that self-doubt can be a cricketer’s worst enemy.

ADAPTING TO DIFFERENT MATCH SITUATIONS

Jaker stressed the importance of adaptability in his game, saying he is prepared to adjust his approach based on the team's requirements.

“For me, the team comes first, and everything else is secondary—including my own performance. Your individual stats hardly matter unless they contribute to a win,” he said.

“Everyone knows that I like to play my shots, but whether the situation allows it or not is more important than my own desire. If I can curb my instincts to serve the team, that gives me the most satisfaction.”

Batting in the lower order presents unique challenges, and Jaker is well aware of the role's unpredictability.

“Playing lower down the order is tricky because sometimes, you are asked to go and play your shots from the first ball. Other times, the team may be in trouble, and I need to consolidate before launching my attack. I also have to guide the lower-order batsmen."

“I have given a lot of thought to how I want to plan my innings in different situations. It may be successful at times and fail on other occasions, but if I start doubting my plans, my chances of failure increase. That’s something I try to avoid more than anything else.”

Jaker also acknowledges the role of match awareness in his game. He understands that cricket is not just about striking the ball cleanly but also about pacing an innings correctly. 

Sometimes, a single can be more valuable than a boundary, and recognizing when to rotate the strike is an essential skill for a finisher like him.

THRIVING IN PAKISTANI CONDITIONS

Jaker believes playing in Pakistan has always been a source of confidence for him, given his past success there.

“I have scored runs in Pakistan while playing for the Bangladesh A team, which helped pave my way into the national side. Whenever I return to this part of the world, I feel comfortable."

“You can say that I enjoy playing in Pakistan because, once you’ve performed well somewhere, you naturally have confidence when you return.”

However, Jaker also remains cautious about the conditions.

“The wickets in Pakistan generally favour batsmen, but at the same time, they can punish you if you get overconfident. Even on batting-friendly tracks, bowlers can put you in trouble."

Another factor that contributes to Jaker’s comfort in Pakistan is the atmosphere. He appreciates the passionate crowds, which, despite supporting the home team, add an intensity to the game that fuels his competitive spirit. 

He finds it exhilarating to perform in front of a packed stadium, and the pressure of the crowd often brings out the best in him.

Bangladesh will conclude their Champions Trophy campaign with their final game against Pakistan, and Jaker will be eager to leave a lasting impression. Whether he manages to shine in the last match remains to be seen, but he has already demonstrated his value in a tournament where Bangladesh’s batting unit has largely struggled.