Bangladesh vs Pakistan, Match 31
ICC World Cup, 31 October, 2023, 2 PM IST, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Bangladesh and Pakistan have struggled right through this World Cup and will face each other in what is potentially their final chance to stay alive in the tournament.
The 31st match of the tournament will be played between them at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This is the second match of the competition at this venue and is expected to be a thrilling one between the Asian rivals.
Pakistan began their campaign with two wins but that seem to be long time ago now. The team led by Babar Azam has lost four matches on the trot since then and their latest defeat to South Africa will still be hurting.
They went down fighting, unlike earlier matches, by one wicket as the Proteas chased down 271, 250+ total in a World Cup game for the first time since 2011 World Cup.
The Men in Green are still not out of the semifinal race yet but they will have to win their last three matches including this one against Bangladesh by decent margins. Pakistan will be up for the challenge after the way they fought in the last game.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh are also going through a similar period after winning their first game against Afghanistan. They lost back to back four matches by huge margins. The good thing for them is they are coming into this match having faced the Netherlands at the same venue. So they will have the experience of the conditions unlike Pakistan.
A loss here will also end their campaign officially and the Tigers would be keen on putting up a fight against Pakistan in this encounter.
The Bangladesh vs Pakistan prediction is an easy one to make with Babar Azam and his men being the favourites. But given the unpredictability of Pakistan team, one can say that Bangladesh can trump them on their day. So it should be a good contest in Kolkata.
Team Form, Last 5 Matches for Pakistan : L-L-L-L-W
Team Form, Last 5 Matches for the Bangladesh: L-L-L-L-W
Contents
BAN vs PAK Match Preview
Pakistan
Pakistan will be looking forward to playing Fakhar Zaman as amidst reports of injury to him, the left-hander fielded against South Africa. If he is fully fit, the southpaw might come in for Imam-ul-Haq who has constantly underperformed in this World Cup.
The rest of the team might just be the same as Pakistan finally seemed to have played their best combination in their previous game.
Moments from training today: Support from the fans in Kolkata đź‘Ź
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 30, 2023
📹 WATCH 👉 https://t.co/aDblQfEl4H#PAKvBAN | #CWC23 | #DattKePakistani pic.twitter.com/IqIkxUSrA9
Unfortunately, Shadab Khan might miss this game as he suffered concussion in the last game after being hit on the head while fielding.
Usama Mir replaced him as concussion substitute and did a fine job picking up two big wickets. Mohammad Wasim should continue unless his hamstring isn’t damaged after bowling with injury.
Probable Best Performers
Probable Best Batter: Babar Azam
Probable Best Bowler: Shaheen Afridi
Probable Playing XI: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman/Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf
Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s playing XI has mostly revolved around changes in the bowling attack. The batting line-up comprising Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain, Shakib, Mushfiqur has largely remained the same. Mahmudullah scoring runs against South Africa must have given them the confidence while Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s all-round show should keep them in good stead.
Moreover, Taskin Ahmed’s return from injury should bolster their bowling attack as well. Either Hasan Mahmud or Nasum Ahmed might make way for him in the playing XI.
Probable Best Perfomers
Probable Best Batter: Shakib Al Hasan
Probable Best Bowler: Taskin Ahmed
Probable Playing XI: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Nasum Ahmed/Hasan Mahmud , Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed
Hardik Pandya injury: India’s worst nightmare could unfold amidst flourishing campaign
Pitch Report and Expected Weather Conditions for BAN vs PAK
The surface at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata always has something in it for the bowlers. But as play progresses, the ball comes on the bat a lot better and conditions become excellent for batting. Having said that, the record of teams batting first is better here in ODIs. An average score batting first here is 241 but a much higher score will be required.
Eden Gardens, Kolkata ODI Records
Total Matches: 35
Match Won batting first: 20
Match won bowling first: 14
Average 1st innings score: 241
Average 2nd innings score: 203
Expected weather condition: Conditions will be a bit cloudy to start the day but things should get clear by the time the match starts. The temperature will hover around 30-32 Degrees Celsius with things cooling down in evening significantly.
Bangladesh training at Eden Gardens (30-10-23)🏏 🇧🇩
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) October 30, 2023
Photo Credit: ICC/Getty#BCB | #Cricket | #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/7kb60hzEoQ
Bangladesh vs Pakistan Dream11 Match Prediction
Wicket-keepers: Mohammad Rizwan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das
Batters: Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Mahmudullah
All-rounders: Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Taskin Ahmed, Usama Mir
Recommended Captain: Babar Azam
Recommended Vice-captain: Shakib Al Hasan
Clearly, the maximum quality is in the wicketkeepers category in this match in Dream11 Fantasy. All three available batters – Rizwan, Rahim and Litton are picked here while Babar Azam continues to be Pakistan’s best batter and he is the captaincy option as well.
Shafique has been Pakistan’s best batter hands down in terms of consistency while Mahmudullah is a good option to have too in case of a famous Bangladesh collapse. Shakib and Mehidy are all-rounder picks while Shaheen, Taskin and Usama complete the Fantasy team.
Bangladesh vs Pakistan win prediction: Pakistan to win
Expect Pakistan to finally break their losing streak of four matches in this World Cup. They came close to beat South Africa but they played quality cricket and will only improve from this point. Although Bangladesh will be keen on turning things around, they are just not able to compete against big teams in this World Cup. A close game is expected but Pakistan should win.
