Bangladesh will take on Pakistan in what is a do-or-die match for the Asian minnows. Bangladesh suffered a heavy defeat against the Kiwis and now they will have to beat Pakistan by a big margin if they want to play in the Super Eights. For Pakistan the equation is simple as they only have to beat Bangladesh or avoid a big defeat after their win against New Zealand.
To be precise, Bangladesh if batting first will have to beat Pakistan by a margin of 36 runs or more and then on the basis of higher run-rate they will qualify. If chasing, suppose Pakistan sets a target of 150 runs than the Bangladeshis will have to get it in inside the 16th over.
So, things do not look good for Bangladeshis, but they are playing against a side which is known for some famous collapses.
Let’s have a look at some of the players who can make the difference in today’s match:
Pakistan:
Kamran Akmal: He is one of the most dangerous batsmen in the Pakistani line-up. Akmal came in the death overs against New Zealand and lost his wicket trying to hit a big shot very early in his innings. He can be very dangerous once he gets his eyes in. Akmal likes lifting the bowlers over the top and is equally effective against both fast bowling and spinners. He played a match winning innings against India in the warm-up game and his captain will be expecting him to replicate his performance.
Nasir Jamshed: He played a brilliant knock against the Kiwis and was virtually unstoppable. He middled everything that came his way and provided Pakistan a perfect platform. Jamshed in his innings hit four sixes, he can be very effective against the Bangladeshi left-arm spinners.
Mohammed Hafeez: He was brilliant against the Kiwis with both bat and ball. Hafeez is a very intelligent cricketer and has the ability to play according to the situation. Hafeez is very dangerous with the ball and is one of the most economical bowlers going around.
Saeed Ajmal: He is probably the most dangerous bowler in this tournament. Ajmal took four wickets against New Zealand and bowled all his overs in the later part of the innings when the New Zealanders were looking to accelerate. Ajmal had a tremendous year in all the three formats and he is a genuine match winner. He is very aggressive and being a spinner loves to bowl in crunch situations.
Bangladesh:
Shakib al Hassan: He had a disastrous outing against New Zealand where he failed with both bat and ball, but Shakib is one of the finest all-rounders going around and it is only a matter of time that he comes up with a match winning performance. Shakib is Bangladesh’s man to go at the time of crisis. He is dangerous with both and ball and is one of the best all-rounders of the world. His skipper will want him to deliver with ball more than the bat and he will be looking to deliver on the expected lines.
Tamim Iqbal: Tamim got out in the first over against New Zealand and that was a major setback for his team. The aggressive left hander opening batsman will play a very key role in the match. He is known for fearless attitude and audacious stroke-making. He does not get intimidated by any bowler and his experience of playing in the SLPL with some of the Pakistani players will help a lot in the match.
Abdur Razzak: He was the best bowler against Kiwis and held his ground when Brendon McCullum was firing on all cylinders. Razzak is very good with his line and length and also varies his pace beautifully.
By Indian Sports News Network