Bangladesh and Pakistan will kickstart the three-match T20I series from 20th July at MirPur.
Match Preview:
The host Bangladesh would be in great confidence after winding up the T20 series against Sri Lanka on a higher note. From the start of this year, Bangladesh have not played a great brand of cricket and it is proven from the stats as they have only won one bilateral T20 series thus far, lost to UAE as well.
Nevertheless, Litton Das is back in form, Mahedi Hasan stood against the inform Sri Lankan batting lineup, Shamim Hossain showed agility in last series too, and the pacer did well in the T20 series, if anything these signs would give hope to the host to kick the series on a high note.
Another great news can be the venue. Bangladesh have won only three T20Is against Pakistan and two of those victories came at Mirpur. So, this venue where par score is almost 135, Bangladesh might have a greater chance to stretch their head-to-head record against Pakistan.
Talking about Pakistan, they won the last series against Bangladesh and they would look to continue their winning streak. Pakistan is not usually travelling with an experienced side so there is a chance this series could feature new faces for Pakistan.
Salman Mirza can play his 1st T20 of Pakistan as he made headlines and played a greater role in Lahore Qalandar’s lifting PSL X Trophy.
All eyes would be on Mohammad Haris, the wicket-keeper batter, who scored a century in the last encounter between the nations and made sure his side sweep Bangladesh in the series.
Another key factor that will play a role in Pakistan is Bangladesh Premier League’s experience. Five of Pakistan’s squad in Bangladesh also have recent local knowledge, having played in the BPL in the last couple of seasons. Khushdil has played 12 matches in Mirpur, the most among the Pakistan players, while Mohammad Haris, Faheem, Abrar Ahmed and Abbas Afridi have also played in the competition.
Although Pakistan is the clear favorite going into this series, Bangladesh traditionally performs better after a few victories, thus it is unlikely that the visitors will have an easy time.
Probable Playing XI:
Bangladesh (probable XI): 1 Parvez Hossain Emon, 2 Tanzid Hasan, 3 Litton Das (capt, wk), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Shamim Hossain, 6 Jaker Ali, 7 Mahedi Hasan, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan, 10 Shoriful Islam, 11 Mustafizur Rahman
Pakistan (probable XI): 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Mohammad Haris (wk), 4 Hasan Nawaz, 5 Salman Agha (capt), 6 Khushdil Shah, 7 Hussain Talat, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Abbas Afridi, 10 Salman Mirza, 11 Abrar Ahmed
Pitch and weather report:
In night games, the Shere Bangla National Stadium’s BPL pitches average 150 runs. Will the curator, however, choose to use the slow, low pitches they often prepare for Twenty20 Internationals, when 125 is more typical? Sunday is predicted to be a wet day.
Head-to-head record:
A total of 22 games have been played between the two sides, out of which Pakistan have won 19 and Bangladesh stood victorious in just 3.
Prediction:
Pakistan is favorite to win the upcoming first match of the series given how they performed in the last series.
Where to watch:
Pakistan: Tapmad
Bangladesh: Tsports, Nagorik TV, OTT: T Sports App
India: FanCode
MENA, UK,Europe, North America, & rest of the world: BCB Youtube Channel
