[ad_1]
NEW DELHI: Facing the stark reality of an almost extinguished chance at a spot in the semifinals, Pakistan enters a crucial showdown against Bangladesh in the ongoing ICC ODI World Cup. Their desperation to snap a four-match losing streak and regain some semblance of pride in their tournament campaign is palpable.
With just four points in their tally, Pakistan’s aspirations for a maximum of ten points by the close of the league stage seem increasingly improbable.Three teams currently outpace Pakistan in the points table, setting a formidable challenge for the former champions to secure a spot in the knockout stage.
The resurgence of Australia and the emergence of New Zealand as a dominant force in the tournament further complicate Pakistan’s path to the semifinals. While India and South Africa appear poised to clinch two of the remaining spots, the Trans-Tasman rivals are in a strong position for the other two.
To keep their dwindling hopes alive, Pakistan needs more than mere victories; they must win convincingly to boost their net run rate, currently at a deficit of -0.205. A defeat at the hands of Bangladesh would undoubtedly spell the end of Pakistan’s journey in the showpiece event.
In the face of this stark reality, Pakistan is anticipated to put forth a resolute effort, relying heavily on their potent bowling attack. Their batsmen have often faltered, but the bowlers, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Wasim, have consistently shone.
Of notable mention is the spirited debut of Mohammad Wasim junior, who filled in for the indisposed Hasan Ali against South Africa. Wasim made a significant impact, creating pressure on the opposition and taking crucial wickets. It is highly likely that Wasim will retain his place in the team as Pakistan looks to rattle the struggling Bangladeshi batting lineup.
The Achilles’ heel for Pakistan has been their batting, with frequent failures to complete the full 50-over quota in four out of six matches. All eyes are on Captain Babar Azam, the team’s most accomplished batsman, who has so far recorded three fifties and will be eager to convert his starts into substantial match-winning innings.
On the other side, Bangladesh, led by the veteran Shakib Al Hasan, faces its own set of challenges, primarily stemming from batting woes. Their latest defeat to the Netherlands marked the sixth consecutive loss in the World Cup, leading Shakib to candidly label it “the worst World Cup.”
With just two points from six matches, Bangladesh currently occupies the ninth position in the ten-team league. Consequently, the clash against Pakistan holds paramount significance for both teams, as they strive to keep their World Cup hopes alive and reclaim their rightful place among the cricketing elite.
The Teams (From):
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Wasim.
Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Das (wk), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (vc), Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib
Match starts at 2pm IST.
With just four points in their tally, Pakistan’s aspirations for a maximum of ten points by the close of the league stage seem increasingly improbable.Three teams currently outpace Pakistan in the points table, setting a formidable challenge for the former champions to secure a spot in the knockout stage.
The resurgence of Australia and the emergence of New Zealand as a dominant force in the tournament further complicate Pakistan’s path to the semifinals. While India and South Africa appear poised to clinch two of the remaining spots, the Trans-Tasman rivals are in a strong position for the other two.
To keep their dwindling hopes alive, Pakistan needs more than mere victories; they must win convincingly to boost their net run rate, currently at a deficit of -0.205. A defeat at the hands of Bangladesh would undoubtedly spell the end of Pakistan’s journey in the showpiece event.
In the face of this stark reality, Pakistan is anticipated to put forth a resolute effort, relying heavily on their potent bowling attack. Their batsmen have often faltered, but the bowlers, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Wasim, have consistently shone.
Of notable mention is the spirited debut of Mohammad Wasim junior, who filled in for the indisposed Hasan Ali against South Africa. Wasim made a significant impact, creating pressure on the opposition and taking crucial wickets. It is highly likely that Wasim will retain his place in the team as Pakistan looks to rattle the struggling Bangladeshi batting lineup.
The Achilles’ heel for Pakistan has been their batting, with frequent failures to complete the full 50-over quota in four out of six matches. All eyes are on Captain Babar Azam, the team’s most accomplished batsman, who has so far recorded three fifties and will be eager to convert his starts into substantial match-winning innings.
On the other side, Bangladesh, led by the veteran Shakib Al Hasan, faces its own set of challenges, primarily stemming from batting woes. Their latest defeat to the Netherlands marked the sixth consecutive loss in the World Cup, leading Shakib to candidly label it “the worst World Cup.”
With just two points from six matches, Bangladesh currently occupies the ninth position in the ten-team league. Consequently, the clash against Pakistan holds paramount significance for both teams, as they strive to keep their World Cup hopes alive and reclaim their rightful place among the cricketing elite.
The Teams (From):
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Wasim.
Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Das (wk), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (vc), Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib
Match starts at 2pm IST.
[ad_2]
Source link