Asia Cup 2018: Super Four, Match 6, Match Prediction - Who will win the match, Pakistan or Bangladesh?

After all the intense battles, it all comes down to this game for Pakistan and Bangladesh to enter the finals of the Asia Cup and set up a marquee clash against India. Although the odds might be favoring the 1992 World Champions to go through, Bangladesh have been pretty phenomenal in recent years and no one can rule out their chances of reaching the finals.

For the other finalists India, all they have to do is sit back, relax and watch the drama unfold. Things won’t be easy for both these sides, who are not on a great run of form. But there’s always scope for improvement and history beckons one thing, “Expect the unexpected from Pakistan”.

Both sides will be planting their strongest elevens for this virtual semifinal game. There was a slight injury scare for Mustafizur Rahman but as it turns out, he will be playing. A now or never battle for two gigantic sides in Asia, both of whom are determined for silverware to prove a lot of points to the world.

Pitch

Abu Dhabi neither provides a rank turner not a green grassy track, but the hot and humid weather conditions will keep the pitch dry and the spinners will have the edge. Another game with moderate run scoring is expected on Wednesday.

Pakistan

No changes are expected in the batting order of the Men in Green. The in-form pair Imam-ul-Haq and the struggling Fakhar Zaman will continue in their opening position with Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed, Asif Ali and Shadab Khan coming in the middle order.

Junaid Ali might be roped into the eleven to replace Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Afridi will keep his place. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz were pretty ordinary against India, but they will be keen to do something better in this game.

Predicted XI

Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed (C & wk), Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan, Shaheen Afridi

Bangladesh

With Tamim Iqbal being sidelined, Liton Das will be opening alongside Soumya Sarkar and following him in the middle order is the experienced Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Imrul Kayes and Mohammad Mithun.

Mustafizur Rahman’s bowling variations will be Mortaza’s go-to option when in need. Mehidy Hasan will be hogging a lot of limelight given there’s any grip offered by the track. Skipper Mashrafe will take the mantle upon himself with the new ball and Nazmul Islam is also likely to be persisted with.

Predicted XI

Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Mithun, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullah, Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Mehidy Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Nazmul Islam

Probable Top Performers

Mohammad Nawaz – Pakistan | Mushfiqur Rahim – Bangladesh

The prediction is for Pakistan to win the game in a hard-fought, nail-biting encounter.