Preview: Pakistan vs Bangladesh

In the heart of Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens, Pakistan gears up to face their South Asian rivals, Bangladesh, in a crucial match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. With their campaign teetering on the brink, Pakistan is determined to secure a decisive victory that could keep their semifinal hopes alive. This blog will provide a comprehensive match preview, discussing the teams’ form, head-to-head records, and predicted XIs.

Pakistan’s Determination to Revive Their World Cup Campaign

Pakistan’s coach, Grant Bradburn, has underlined the team’s unwavering determination to salvage their faltering ICC Cricket World Cup campaign. Having secured wins against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, Pakistan suffered setbacks at the hands of India, Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa. Their poor net run-rate further complicates their path to the semifinals.

Bradburn acknowledges the challenging position they find themselves in, stating, “We were determined at this stage of the tournament to be in control of our destiny, but we’re not. That hurts the group, and all we can do now is control what we can control, and that is to prepare well for three remaining pool games.”

Bangladesh’s Battle to Overcome a Dismal Streak

Bangladesh, on the other hand, has been grappling with a series of losses in the tournament. With five consecutive defeats, their hopes of advancing to the semifinals hang by a thread. Skipper Shakib al-Hasan emphasizes that it’s time for action, stating, “Talk is cheap when it’s not working. So, we’ll do it at the ground so the action can take care of it, and everyone can see it.”

Head-to-Head Records

A closer look at the head-to-head records between these two cricketing nations reveals an interesting history. Pakistan has won 33 one-dayers against Bangladesh, suffering just five losses. However, in their recent encounters, Bangladesh managed to secure victories in four out of the last six clashes. The ICC Cricket World Cup has witnessed both teams clash twice, with Bangladesh registering an upset win in 1999, and Pakistan emerging victorious in 2019.

Form: A Struggle for Both Sides

Both teams head into this match burdened by a string of disappointing results. While Bangladesh has recorded five consecutive losses in the tournament, Pakistan has a single win amid four defeats. The match promises a chance for redemption for both teams.

Form:

• Bangladesh: L L L L L
• Pakistan: L L L L W

Predicted XIs

Bangladesh (Predicted XI)

• Litton Das
• Tanzid Hasan Tamim
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz
• Najmul Hossain Shanto
• Shakib al-Hasan (captain)
• Mushfiqur Rahim
• Mahmudullah
• Mahedi Hasan
• Taskin Ahmed
• Mustafizur Rahman
• Shoriful Islam

Pakistan (Predicted XI)

• Abdullah Shafique
• Fakhar Zaman
• Babar Azam (captain)
• Mohammad Rizwan
• Saud Shakeel
• Iftikhar Ahmed
• Mohammad Nawaz
• Usama Mir
• Mohammad Wasim
• Shaheen Shah Afridi
• Haris Rauf

Conclusion

The Pakistan vs. Bangladesh clash in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to turn their fortunes around. As the action unfolds at Eden Gardens, fans worldwide will be watching closely to see which team can rise to the occasion and keep their semifinal hopes alive. Don’t miss the drama, the excitement, and the sheer determination on display in this high-stakes cricket showdown!