Asia Cup: Pakistan, Bangladesh lock horns in virtual semifinal

Sep 27, 2018 at 2:55 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Asia Cup: Pakistan, Bangladesh lock horns in virtual semifinal

Abu Dhabi, Sep 25: Smarting from back-to-back losses at the hands of arch-foes India, Pakistan will have their task cut out when they lock horns with a tricky Bangladesh in a virtual semi-final of the Asia Cup here Wednesday.

One of the two teams will be heading home after their final Super Four game at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium here and given the backlash they received after the reverses against India, former world and Asian champions Pakistan will be eager to raise their game.

While their batting has shown signs of improvement days after being bowled out for 160-odd runs, more needs to be done if they are to make the title clash, where India awaits.

The struggling batsmen would do well to take a cue from the seasoned Shoaib Malik, who has been one of the few impressive performers from the side in the continental tournament, which they have won two times.

( READ MORE – Highest run scorer of Asia cup 2018 )

However, Pakistan’s biggest concern is the poor form of pace spearhead Mohammed Amir, who seems to have lost sting and is struggling to take wickets, which is his primary job, and which was reiterated by his skipper Sarfraz Ahmed on the eve of the group game against India.

Sarfraz’s words did not have the desired effect as Amir and Co failed to deliver.

Pakistan will hope the team gets the job done against Bangladesh and regain confidence.

After their nine-wicket humiliation at the hands of India, coach Mickey Arthur said Pakistan has a huge task at hand.

“It’s a semi-final now. We have to find a way to dig ourselves out of the hole we are in at the moment. We will come back from this. We are at our best in must-win matches. That’s when we come to the party,” he said.

“I believe in our players. I think they are a fantastic bunch of players,” he added.

Bangladesh managed to scrape past a spirited Afghanistan in a last-over finish to keep their hopes alive, and having produced decent performances, save the loss against India, they will fancy their chances against Pakistan.

Teams (from):

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shan Masood, Sarfraz Ahmed(captain), Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Asif Ali, Mohammad Amir.

Bangladesh: Masrafe Bin Mortaza (captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Mithun, Litton Kumar Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Ariful Haque, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nazmul Islam Apu, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Haider Rony. 

Match starts 5pm (IST).

Related Article
Shakib Al Hasan’s Future Uncertain, Najmul Hossain Shanto Named As Bangladesh’s All-Format Captain
Shakib Al Hasan’s Future Uncertain, Najmul Hossain Shanto Named As Bangladesh’s All-Format Captain

Feb 13, 2024, 10:48 AM


BAN vs SL: I Will Speak To The Officials, And Then Take The Decision – Shakib Al Hasan To Hold Talks With BCB Over His Participation In Sri Lanka Series
BAN vs SL: I Will Speak To The Officials, And Then Take The Decision – Shakib Al Hasan To Hold Talks With BCB Over His Participation In Sri Lanka Series

Feb 4, 2024, 10:24 AM


Bangladesh Pacer Taskin Ahmed Plans To Retire From Test Cricket To Prolong His Career In White-ball Cricket
Bangladesh Pacer Taskin Ahmed Plans To Retire From Test Cricket To Prolong His Career In White-ball Cricket

Feb 3, 2024, 2:11 PM


BAN vs SL: Bangladesh Set To Play All-Format Series Against Sri Lanka At Home Starting From March 4
BAN vs SL: Bangladesh Set To Play All-Format Series Against Sri Lanka At Home Starting From March 4

Feb 3, 2024, 11:26 AM


Veteran Bangladesh All-Rounder Shakib Al Hasan Diagnosed With Retinal Condition In His Left Eye
Veteran Bangladesh All-Rounder Shakib Al Hasan Diagnosed With Retinal Condition In His Left Eye

Jan 25, 2024, 11:34 AM


Breaking: ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Full Schedule And Groups Announced
Breaking: ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Full Schedule And Groups Announced

Jan 5, 2024, 8:00 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner