In a must-win clash for Pakistan, in fact, a must-win clash which needs a miracle effort has got a piece of positive news from the opposition camp, as their key batsman Mushfiqur Rahim has been the doubtful starter for the game. He was hit on the elbow during the net practice.
Mushfiqur Rahim was hit on the elbow during training at Lord’s on Thursday and is in some doubt. However, for a team carrying niggles since before the World Cup, this still may not be a setback given Bangladesh’s determination to end their campaign with a win.
Mushfiqur Rahim got hit on his elbow:
However, should Mushfiqur be ruled out, Liton Das would keep wickets and Mohammad Mithun could step in. In one of those goods news for Bangladesh, Mahmudullah Riyad, who missed out in the clash against India, has participated in the batting session.
“Mushifiq got a little knock on the elbow in the nets. I’ve have not discussed with the physio (Thihan Chandramohan) yet regarding the matter. Generally, after hitting on that sort of area, most people are okay. I don’t remember too many people breaking elbows while batting. So I’m hoping that he’ll be okay, but obviously it will be assessed later,” Rhodes said during the pre-match press conference at Lord’s Thursday.
Mahmudullah suffered a grade one tear on his calf muscle against Afghanistan at the Rose Bowl in Southampton last month and was subsequently ruled out for a week to 10 days.
Pakistan chases a miracle:
Bangladesh’s World Cup ended on Tuesday with that 28-run loss to India in Birmingham and now seek to leave England with a fourth World Cup win. They have a bit of history on their side, having beaten Pakistan in their last four ODIs.
For Pakistan to qualify to the semi-finals, they will have to beat Bangladesh by 311 runs after posting 350 or thrash them by 316 runs after scoring 400. They could also make it to the last four if they manage to scrape past Bangladesh by 321 runs after scoring 450.
However, a flip of a coin could end it early for Pakistan as if they decide to bowl first, they will be out of the semi-final race even before the first ball is bowled at Lord’s on Friday.
All in all, it is going to be an exciting clash, as Pakistan team will play with 500 runs target on the board if they bat first. The skipper of Pakistan Sarfaraz Ahmed has already made a statement regarding it.