Whenever Bangladesh play India, they give tough time to them: Habibul Bashar

As the Super 12 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 is set to conclude on Sunday, November 06, the race for the semi-finals is still wide open for the last spot from Group 2. As crucial fixtures are up and running, the only side officially confirmed their semi-final berth is Rohit Sharma’s team India.

On the other hand, Pakistan and Bangladesh still have slim chances of making it to the last four but it remains to be seen what transpires. Former Bangladesh cricket Habibul Bashar opined that India and Pakistan are always the ‘favourites’ when the Bangla Tigers play them but the latter can fight to compete.

“Bangladesh almost won against India, they almost won (laughs)! But yes, because they does not have any consistency and a consistent performer in T20 cricket, it makes India and Pakistan the favourites when they play Bangladesh. Even in today’s game against Pakistan, they (Babar Azam’s side) are the favourites. In match against India, they are always ahead of us,” said Bashar on 'BatBricks7 presents Run Ki Runneeti' show on CricTracker.

“But anytime Bangladesh plays against India, be it World Cup or Asia Cup stage, they always give a tough time to them! In their mind, I think they can win the game today against Pakistan,” added Bashar.

Interesting turn of events in Group 2

Following the loss to the Netherlands, South Africa have almost finished their chances of making it to the next round. However, with that defeat, Bangladesh and Pakistan have a clear chance of making it to the last four if either of the two sides emerge victorious in their face-off against each other today.

What appeared to be a straight forward affair with the Proteas favourites to qualify from Group 2 along with the Men in Blue has now turned on its head. The much-anticipated faceoff between the Bangla Tigers and Pakistan will most likely determine the second team qualifying from Group 2 of the Super 12 stage.