Mirpur: So, it is all set than, Bangladesh will take on Pakistan in the finals of the ongoing Asia Cup. No one expected the home team to feature in the final of the tournament which saw three of the cricketing giants in the form of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India. But, the hosts had other ideas as they defeated both India and Sri Lanka to reach the final of a tournament only for the second time in their cricketing history.

Anyone who watched all the matches of the Asia Cup will agree to the fact that the hosts deserved a place in the finals; they were unlucky not to win against Pakistan and were clearly the dominant side in the next two matches that they played.

Nobody expected Bangladesh to play the way they did last night as they were playing a must-win match and going by their record in the past everybody would have put their money on an India-Pakistan final. In yesterday’s match Bangladesh showed the world why they deserve to play at the biggest stage. First of all they stopped Sri Lanka to a modest total and then the way they batted was a treat to watch in itself. They needed to score 212 runs in 40 overs and they did it with ease.

Going into the finals the hosts will know that their neighboring country will walk into the match as clear favorites. Pakistan has had a good tournament except for the match against India and will continue to bank on their bowling to do the job. Pakistan’s batsmen did well against Indians and put up a massive score and would be hoping to replicate their performance. Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal will be leading Pakistan’s charge with the ball as both these bowlers are experienced enough to make life difficult for the lesser opponents.

Bangladesh on the other hand will again be banking on Tamim Iqbal and Shakib-Al-Hasan. Both these players have had a great tournament and will be hoping to continue that for one last time. Nasir Hossain has already proved his worth in the team and the hosts will be hoping for another superb performance from this youngster.