ODI World Cup 2023, Match 31: Pakistan vs Bangladesh Match Preview

Two bruised teams - Pakistan (PAK) and Bangladesh (BAN) square off in match 31 of the ODI World Cup 2023 on Tuesday, October 31 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Pakistan started with back-to-back wins against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. Against Sri Lanka, the Men in Green broke the record for the highest total successfully chased in World Cup history. However, the momentum built in the first couple of matches came to an abrupt halt when arch-rivals India defeated Babar Azam's men comprehensively by seven wickets. Things went downhill from this point onwards as subsequent losses against Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa all but dashed Pakistan's hopes of a semi-final berth.

Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique are the only two batters who have looked in good touch. Captain Babar has scored three fifties, but they have all been in losing causes. Shaheen has picked up 13 wickets in six matches at 22.77, but his bowling partner, Haris Rauf, has had a very disappointing campaign. As per reports, there have also been a lot of internal problems between the players and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and it will be tough for the skipper to pick his troops up from this grim situation.

Bangladesh started with a confident win against Afghanistan but have slumped to five consecutive losses and are languishing at No. 9 on the points table. They are running the risk of not qualifying for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. Except for Mahmudullah, it has been a forgettable campaign thus far for Shakib Al Hasan and Co. The skipper's performance with the bat and with the ball have been nowhere close to his usual lofty standards. In the five games, Shakib has just scored 61 runs and picked up seven wickets.

Mustafizur Rahman was expected to play a key role due to his abundant experience of playing in Indian conditions during his stints with IPL teams. However, the veteran has only picked four wickets in six games, averaging 68.75. The likes of Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Najmul Hossain Shanto have not been firing, and that has added to Bangladesh's woes. Experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim has scored a couple of fifties but they haven't had much of an impact on the matches.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Most Runs

PAK vs BAN Pitch and Conditions

The Eden Gardens is known for being a high-scoring venue. The pitches are great for batting, and the outfield is excellent. There is help for the new-ball bowlers, but after the shine wears out, a lot of runs are there for the taking. Eden Gardens hosted the game between the Netherlands and Bangladesh. The pitch was quite balanced, with something on offer for the batters as well as bowlers. There should be a good contest between bat and ball.

PAK vs BAN Probable Playing XIs for ODI World Cup 2023, Match 31

Pakistan (PAK)

Hasan Ali missed the last game against the Proteas due to illness. He should be back in place of Mohammad Wasim Jr. If Shabad Khan, who suffered a concussion in the last game, doesn't recover in time, Usama Mir could find a place in the team.

Predicted XI: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan/Usama Mir, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali/Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf

Bangladesh (BAN)

14 out of the 15 players in the Bangladesh World Cup squad have at least played one game. The only one who hasn't, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, could be a handful at the Eden Gardens with the new ball. He caused a few problems for the Indian batters during Bangladesh's famous win in the Asia Cup and could be thrown into the mix against Pakistan.

Predicted XI: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (C), Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan/Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam

PAK vs BAN Head-to-Head in ODIs:

PAK vs BAN Broadcast Details:

Also Check: ICC World Cup 2023 Points Table