Published: Mar 02, 2016, 11:39 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 02, 2016, 11:39 AM (IST)
The hosts of the Asia Cup T20 2016, Bangladesh, take on Pakistan in a must-win encounter at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka on Wednesday night. The game will be a crucial one as far as the second spot for the Asia Cup 2016 final is concerned, with India already storming their way into the final after three consecutive wins. There is no doubt that India have been the best team so far in the tournament, and with Sri Lanka struggling on almost all corners, Bangladesh and Pakistan become the other teams to look forward to. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Asia Cup 2016 Match 8 at Dhaka
Bangladesh suffered a massive blow in their build-up to the match against Pakistan, when their star bowler Mustafizur Rahman was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury. Undoubtedly, Mustafizur has been their best bowler in the last one year or so, and his absence will test the others to full extent. READ: Tamim Iqbal coming in for Mustafizur Rahman could be the boost Bangladesh need in Asia Cup T20 2016
Bangladesh have replaced Mustafizur with Tamim Iqbal, but their opponents Pakistan are likely to stick with the same team combination. Pakistan too are fumbling with the basics, but a win here will put them in a commanding position. Let us take a look at what possible likely XI will Pakistan announce for their Asia Cup 2016 match against Bangladesh:
Top-order: Mohammad Hafeez did not click in the game against United Arab Emirates (UAE), but he is expected to score in the clash against Bangladesh. Looking at how the other batsmen in the top have performed, Pakistan will like to have some stability in the slot and there seems to be no better option than Hafeez. Apart from the right-handed veteran, there are Khurram Manzoor and Sharjeel Khan, who have been a worry for Pakistan. Both the young batsmen have not made enough runs and this will remain a concern unless they turn around the tables. Pakistan probably have the weakest top-order in regards to form, and this is one area in which Bangladesh will like to bank on.
Middle-order: Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik struck crucial half-centuries against UAE, else Pakistan might have been on the losing end. They revived Pakistan from a precarious position of 17 for 3 to lead them to win, but this cannot be a norm. Both Akmal and Malik are experienced, and Pakistan need them to keep making runs if their top-order is not clicking. The form of Sarfraz Ahmed and Shahid Afridi is concerning as well.
Lower-order: Pakistan have the best bowling line-up in the tournament and this department will continue to remain their strength. Mohammad Aamer will once again be the key to exploit the frail Bangladeshi batsmen, but Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Irfan need to step up their game as well. Riaz was poor against India and was dropped against UAE, and Pakistan may want to stick with Mohammad Nawaz. The form and presence of Mohammad Sami becomes crucial as well.
(Devarchit Varma is senior writer with CricketCountry. He can be followed on Twitter @Devarchit)
