Bangladesh and Pakistan start their T20 World Cup campaign as they go head to head against each other at Eden Gardens tonight. While Bangladesh is coming off an Asia Cup final appearance, where they also tasted triumph against Pakistan, Pakistan are coming into this tournament with a lot at stake. Skipper Shahid Afridi is all sorts of trouble with his form and has been given the deadline to perform in the World T20 as captain to stake his claims in future.
Therefore it’s a battle between two teams with Bangladesh being the giant killers, and Pakistan can spring in a surprise with their performance on their day. Hopefully today is the day for them.
Cricwizz, looks at players from both teams who hold the key for tonight’s clash.
Let’s look at Bangladesh first
Shakib al Hasan: The enigmatic and mercurial all rounder Shakib al Hasan had a big role to play in the league stages for Bangladesh. He played a key role when Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Tonight at Eden expectations from him will be no different. Also playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, he has developed a strong fan base for him as well which will be a big help.
Sabbir Rahman: Sabbir has been hogging the media limelight, since he has scored the match winning knock of 80 against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup T20 2016. He proved that he has a calm head on his shoulders and also the adaptability to play to situations. Tonight a similar knock would tend the cricketing world to believe that he is one of the stars for Bangladesh in the near future. Therefore, Sabbir needs to understand the gravity of the situation and come up with another brilliant knock who has been going through a good run of form recently.
Tamim Iqbal: Fresh from scoring his first T20 hundred against Oman in the T20 qualifiers, Tamim Iqbal will be sky high on confidence and self belief. Bangladesh’s premier batsman will hope to continue his form in the league, now that they are in a tough group and will be playing against tough oppositions.
Mashrafe Mortaza: Mortaza has led his team beautifully in the Asia Cup where he took them to the final of the tournament. He then backed it up by leading his team into the Super 10’s of the World T20. Pitted in a tough group, Mortaza’s captaincy will be put to test against Pakistan and also against other teams. Having won against them in the Asia Cup recently, he is in know of their strengths and weaknesses which he can exploit.
Now let’s concentrate on Pakistan
Shahid Afridi: A match winner in his own right, Shahid Afridi, for some time has not done justice to his talent. This T20 World Cup is a big test for him to prove his mercurial potential. Also it’s a chance for him to find his rhythm back. He has a chance to give one back to Bangladesh who triumphed against them in Asia Cup T20. Inside him he will be itching to perform tonight and we hope he does.
Mohammad Amir: Pakistan’s most lethal option with the ball. Mohammad Amir made a remarkable comeback to the national team. He is a key member of the team now and will be expected to do his best tonight. His pace and swing is something that the Bangladesh batsman might find hard to counter.
Shoaib Malik: Shoaib Mailk brings valuable experience into the Pakistan line up. He is a man who has been there and done it for Pakistan on numerous occasions. Tonight also Pakistan would heavily depend on their former captain to play an innings of substance. The loss against Bangladesh would still for sure be fresh on his mind.
Umar Aklam: Probably Pakistan’s best T20 batsman, Umar Akmal is an important cog in the Pakistan middle order. He has the necessary experience and the talent to play substantial innings for Pakistan. He will be expected to team up with Shoaib Malik in the middle and take them out of trouble if the need arises.
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