T20 World Cup 2021: Match 9, Bangladesh vs PNG, Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

Preview

PNG and Bangladesh are set to lock horns in Match No.9 of the T20 World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday, October 21 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1) in Al Amerat. The Mahmudullah-led Tigers, on Tuesday, made a strong comeback as they defeated Oman by 26 runs.

However, Bangladesh aren’t out of trouble just yet. Even if they win their next game, they won’t be assured of a berth in the Super 12. Scotland and Oman are still in contention to qualify beyond the first round. As far as Assad Vala’s PNG are concerned, they are all, but out of the competition.

Match Details

Match – Bangladesh and PNG – Match 9

Venue – Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat

Time – 03:30 PM IST, 10:00 AM GMT

Where to watch live – Star Sports Network

Pitch Report

The pitch in Al Amerat has been a sporting one for playing cricket. The batters have been able to get runs, but the bowlers have had their say as well. Bangladesh won’t mind batting first since they won their previous game doing so.

Average score: 151 (34 T20Is in Al Amerat)

Record of Chasing teams: Won – 21, Lost – 12, Tied – 1

Probable Playing XIs

Bangladesh

Liton Das, Mohammad Naim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (c), Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Bench: Nasum Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Shamim Hossain, Soumya Sarkar

PNG

Tony Ura, Assad Vala (c), Charles Amini, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sese Bau, Simon Atai, Kiplin Doriga (wk), Nosaina Pokana, Damien Ravu, Kabua Morea

Bench: Chad Soper, Jason Kila, Hiri Hiri, Gaudi Toka

Head-to-head

Bangladesh and PNG are yet to face each other in T20Is.

Probable best batter of the match

Mohammad Naim (Bangladesh)

Mohammad Naim Shaikh has been a decent batter for Bangladesh at the top of the order. But he has had to mostly warm the bench. In the previous game, the Tigers picked him in place of Soumya Sarkar and the decision paid dividends. He scored 64 runs off 50 balls with the help of three fours and six sixes. Naim batted until the 17th over and took his team to safer shores.

Probable best bowler of the match

Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)

Mustafizur Rahman hasn’t been an easy customer to deal with in the ongoing edition of the World Cup. In the first game, he picked up two wickets. Against Oman, Mustafizur went for 36 runs, but he also picked up four crucial wickets with his wily off-cutters. The left-arm pacer bowled the last over and didn’t give the batter anything to work with.

Today’s match prediction: Bangladesh to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.