Bangladesh host T20 powerhouses Pakistan in the first of three T20Is at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Bangladesh vs Pakistan | Friday 19 November | Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka | 10:00
Pakistan are eager to rebound from a disappointing end to a promising T20 World Cup while the hosts will want to demonstrate progress in key areas.
To Win Match
Bangladesh 26/10 | Tie 25/1 | Pakistan 29/100
Bangladesh
Bangladesh might have hoped for more from their T20 World Cup campaign but must now focus on the next chapter and build to the tournament in Australia next year.
Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar have been dropped from the group altogether with opening batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto recalled and uncapped batters Saif Hassan and Yasir Ali Chowdhury given a chance.
Mushfiqur Rahim was also left out but selectors made it clear that he was being rested.
Among the bowlers, Mahedi Hasan and Taskin Ahmed had their moments in the T20 World Cup but more is expected from them and Mustafizur Rahman.
Pakistan
Pakistan know they have the quality to beat any side in the world in this format but cannot take the tigers lightly.
It is unclear if key players like Babar Azam or Mohammad Rizwan will be rested for the first T20 of the series.
Pakistan may also opt to give other batsmen a chance to open with Fakhar Zaman and Haider Ali at their disposal.
Shadab Khan was the preferred leg-spinner in the World Cup, but in Bangladesh, the likes of Usman Qadir could get a chance to impress.
Verdict: Pakistan 29/100
Pakistan are world-beaters and shouldn’t lose to Bangladesh.
