Tigers begin Super 4 against Pakistan

Following an emphatic victory over Afghanistan, a confident Bangladesh side will begin their Asia Cup Super Four campaign against a strong Pakistan side at Gaddafi stadium in Lahore today. The match will get underway at 3.30 pm Bangladesh time.

Bangladesh had their backs against the wall following a crushing five-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in their first match of the tournament, but bounced back with an 89-run over Afghanistan, and in the process confirming a Super Four berth.

Shakib Al Hasan and Co can now start afresh against the hosts of the tournament, who are in marauding form.

The build-up for the big match was far from ideal as Bangladesh lost Najmul Hossain Shanto – the highest run-getter of the group stage – through a hamstring injury. It will be a tough ask for the team management to replace Shanto, who was one of Bangladesh's best batter in the last year or so.

However, the return of Liton Das, who joined the team after recovering from viral fever, will come as a big relief.

As far as personnel is concerned, Bangladesh may come up with a different team combination from the Afghanistan match, considering the threat from Pakistan's fearsome pace bowling attack comprising Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.

Pakistan's strong batting line-up, led by skipper Babar Azam who hit 151 in their opening match against Nepal, will also pose great challenge on the batting friendly surface of Gaddafi.

Although Bangladesh lost against Pakistan by 94 runs in their last meeting during the 2019 World Cup, the Tigers can take positives from their last win over the same opposition during the last 50-over Asia Cup five years ago.