Bangladesh vs Pakistan, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 warm-up: Preview, predictions

What on earth is wrong with Pakistan? They have historically raised their level of cricket on English soil, whether it was the 1999 World Cup or the 2009 World T20 or the several Test series in this millennium – including two as late as in 2016 and 2018. And yet, four consecutive defeats against England, then the warm-up match against Afghanistan…

It is not that they do not have a fantastic batting line-up: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, and Babar Azam are as formidable a top three as any in the world barring perhaps their Indian and English counterparts. And they have the usual collection of biffers that every side seems to possess in this era of six-hitting.

No. It has been their bowlers – perennially their strong suit – who have let them down. The World Cup is just four days away, and their pace attack is yet unsorted. And Shadab Khan has just recovered from his infection. It is unlikely that they will contain a rampant Bangladesh.

Speaking of Bangladesh, they were outstanding in the recently concluded Tri-Series in Ireland. Their batsmen – six of them – looked in excellent touch. Even when Shakib Al Hasan had to sit out in the final due to an injury, Mosaddek Hossain stepped in with the fastest ODI fifty in their history.

Mustafizur Rahman is up and running; Mashrafe Mortaza is as steady as ever; and Mehidy Hasan Miraz has found consistency. Even without Shakib, the bowling attack looks formidable.

Head to head

Pakistan used to hold a substantial 31-1 advantage in head-to-head clashes against Bangladesh. However, they have lost the last four matches between these sides, including a 0-3 whitewash in Bangladesh in 2015 and once in the 2018 Asia Cup.

As for Bangladesh’s other win, that came in the 1999 World Cup – the only time the teams met on English soil.

Key players

Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh): This will be Mustafizur’s first World Cup, and the stage where one of the finest death bowlers will be pitted against the world’s best. With his accuracy, canny variations, and now-famous cutters, Fizz may be Bangladesh’s most important player in the next forty days or so.

Wahab Riaz (Pakistan): The selectors drew much flak for recalling Wahab for the tournament. However, his spell at the end in the warm-up match against Afghanistan reminded all of the Wahab of yore. With some luck he could have run through them. Was his inclusion indeed a masterstroke?

Squads

Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Shakib Al Hasan (vc), Liton Das (wk), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Mithun (wk), Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Soumya Sarkar, Rubel Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mosaddek Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Jayed.

Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), Shoaib Malik (vc), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Asif Ali, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Sohail.

Prediction

Bangladesh to prevail over a rusty Pakistan.