Losing the first match against India, Bangladesh lifted themselves up after two victories in a row. First beating UAE and then clinching victory against Sri Lanka. With a net run rate of +0.48 Bangladesh staying in number two whereas Pakistan with a net run rate of -0.49 staying below Sri Lanka in the fourth position. In general Bangladesh is getting the benefits of the net run rate, so they’ll be quite pressure less while playing the match on the other hand, Pakistan will face a massive pressure to qualify for the finals though they will still get a game to play against Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh is looking for a clean victory against Pakistan. Last year they whitewashed them in the ODI series and also won the only T20 match comprehensively. So, Bangladesh will be top of their game, but on the other side comparing to last year Pakistan did make some solid changes in their bowling line up which should be taken under consideration.
Induction of Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Iran will make the Bangladeshi batsmen a little bit worried as they can fire up with the new ball. But Bangladeshi batsmen are to have new plan for this kind of bowling and pitch. Almost in every pitches that are being used to play Asia cup matches have green grasses on it, so they’re building up a plan to play the pace bowlers without getting out.
If Bangladesh win this match they’re straight going to the finals, and if they lose then the run rate will come in between the team and the final but as Pakistan has a poorer run rate it will be most possibly Bangladesh who will be qualifying for the finals if the defeat margin is not that big.
But Bangladesh might face a challenge without Mustafiz who is being ruled out from rest of the tournament due to his injury. He was the bowler who made Pakistan suffer last year in the T20 and also he’s 4 overs do have a huge impact on opposition’s run rate so without him it will be a bit tough job for the Bengal tiger to hold the grip of the run rate during the last five overs.
On the Spotlight
Shabbir Rahman, he has been an amazing performer for team Bangladesh. He has the power to play some super shots all around the ground. Scoring 44 against India and then making quick 80 within just 54 balls do indicate that he got the T20 batting style in his blood; cool, calm and aggressive he is the complete package for the Bangladesh team.
Shoaib Malik, the man who took Pakistan to the victory mark on the last game after they struggle with losing early wickets and fall behind the run rate. He is a cool tempered batsman who can be really dangerous once he gets set on the wicket. He can play some big shots and thrash the opponents in no time. He will be the key player for Pakistan in the middle-order.
Team News
Bangladesh will have some changes for this match. Mustfizur will not be playing the Asia cup so Abu Haider Rony might get a chance in the final squad. Tamim Iqbal is likely to play this match, he will be replacing Mithun Ali on the other hand Nasir Hossain might replace the new wicketkeeper of team Bangladesh Nurul hasan.
Taeam Bangladesh (Probable)
1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Soumya Sarkar, , 3 Sabbir Rahman, 4 Mahmudullah, 5 Mushfiqur Rahim, 6 Shakib Al Hasan, 7 Nurul Hasan/Nasir Hossain, 8 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 9 Arafat Sunny, 10 Abu Haider, 11 Al-Amin Hossain
Pakistan won their last match against UAE and they are likely to play with the same team with no changes.
Team Pakistan (Probable)
1 Sharjeel Khan, 2 Mohammad Hafeez, 3 Umar Akmal, 4 Shoaib Malik, 5 Imad Wasim, 6 Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), 7 Shahid Afridi (capt), 8 Mohammad Nawaz, 9 Wahab Riaz, 10 Mohammad Amir, 11 Mohammad Irfan
Source : cricfrenzy
