Asia Cup T20 Match 8 Preview: Bangladesh and Pakistan on the hunt for a spot in the final

Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the final of the Asia Cup T20 was dealt with a severe blow when they lost the opening encounter against India. However, a resounding win over the UAE saw the Pakistanis back on track. Now, it is time for them to face up the hosts. The resurgent Bangladesh team revived their Asia Cup campaign with wins over Sri Lanka and UAE. The contest intensifies even more since this will be a must-win game for both sides.

Pitch conditions:

The conditions of the Dhaka wicket have changed quite remarkably in the past few days. With most of the grass removed, the batsmen will have more confidence in playing their natural shots. Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood has also stated that “The wickets here are a bit difficult. As the tournament is progressing, yesterday’s wicket did not have much grass. So I think our players are confident.”

Despite this, the bowlers will be expected to get some purchase out of the wicket while the ball is new. We saw that in the last couple of game, there was lateral movement till the ball was hard and new, but once it softens as dew settles in, it becomes easier for the batsmen. For Pakistan Mohammad Amir, in particular will be licking his lips as he looks to continue his impressive form in the coming matches.

Team News

Pakistan

Pakistan will be without Wahab Riaz with the latter suffering a side strain. Mohammad Nawaz is expected to retain his place in the side. Sharjeel Khan is also expected to hold on to his spot in the opening position while Khalid Latif and Anwar Ali are expected to be on the bench a bit longer.

All eyes will be on Umar Akmal. The dashing middle order batsman who dazzled in the previous match is expected to play a major role in the coming matches.

Bangladesh

While the return of Tamim Iqbal is lauded by one and all, Bangladesh will be without Mustafizur Rahman. The latter will prove to be a big miss following his performances against Sri Lanka and UAE. In Mustafizur’s absence, Bangladesh will certainly be a depleted bowling attack and someone among the seniors will have to put their hand up and take the responsibility. Abu Hider is likely to come in for Mustafizur.

Tamim Iqbal will in all likelihood replace Imrul Kayes and join the impressive Sabbir Rahman at the top of the order.

Probable XI-

Bangladesh:

Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Al-Amin Hossain, Abu Hider, Taskin Ahmed

Pakistan:

Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Khurram Manzoor, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi (C), Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Mohammad Sami, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Irfan

Stats that matter:

1. Shakib Al Hasan requires another 55 runs to become the first Bangladeshi batsman with 1000 runs in T20I cricket.

2. Mohammad Hafeez requires 30 runs to become Pakistan’s leading run scorer in T20 internationals.