ISLAMABAD: The Asia Cup has been buzzing with rivalries, with prominent matchups like India-Pakistan and Pakistan-Afghanistan taking center stage.
Another intense rivalry is set to kick off the Super Four stage today, featuring Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Their relationship, both on and off the cricket field, has been complex and enduring. Today’s upcoming ODI clash marks their first meeting in this format since the 2019 World Cup.
Notably, Bangladesh had their breakthrough moment in cricket against Pakistan. However, they also faced their longest struggle to translate that breakthrough into victories against Pakistan. From Northampton 1999 to Mirpur 2015, Bangladesh managed to defeat every other opponent in international cricket but suffered 40 consecutive losses to Pakistan.
Since then, Bangladesh has turned the tide, particularly in ODIs, where they have beaten Pakistan in four out of their last five encounters. However, the previous meeting took place during the 2019 World Cup. Pakistan has dominated the rivalry in Tests and T20Is since then, but these results may have little impact on Wednesday’s match, as the 50-overs format is where Bangladesh excels.
Pakistan is rightfully considered the favorite, playing at home and boasting the credentials of the world’s No. 1 ODI team. On the other hand, Bangladesh is dealing with injuries to key players and will be without Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Nevertheless, Bangladesh is a wise and experienced group well-versed in ODI cricket, and they are familiar with the Lahore conditions, having secured a thrilling victory against Afghanistan on Sunday. Expect them to be well-prepared and adaptable, ready for whatever challenges Pakistan presents.
For Pakistan, a notable change in their lineup for the Super Four stage is the inclusion of Faheem Ashraf, a medium-pacer, in place of Mohammad Nawaz. This decision to leave out Nawaz may be influenced by the abundance of left-handed batsmen in the Bangladesh lineup, highlighting Pakistan’s strategic approach to the upcoming match.
Shanto is expected to be replaced at the top by Litton Das, who has recovered from the sickness that prevented him from competing in the group stage. It will be intriguing to watch if Mehidy Hasan Miraz moves up following his century against Afghanistan or if he stays put.
Pakistan:
1 Fakhar Zaman, 2 Imam-ul-Haq, 3 Babar Azam (capt), 4 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 5 Agha Salman, 6 Iftikhar Ahmed, 7 Shadab Khan, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10 Naseem Shah, 11 Haris Rauf.
Bangladesh (probable):
1 Mohammad Naim, 2 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 3 Litton Das, 4 Shakib Al Hasan (capt), 5 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 6 Towhid Hridoy, 7 Shamim Hossain, 8 Afif Hossain, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Shoriful Islam, 11 Hasan Mahmud.
