Bangladesh opt to bat first in WC game against Pakistan

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan in their seventh game of the ICC Cricket World Cup today at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The Tigers hit the rock-bottom following five defeats on the trot including a shock defeat to Netherlands in the last game after beginning the tournament with good vibe, beating Afghanistan by six wickets.

With they finding themselves in wanting, Bangladesh are desperate to win the game. They would have to win at least two matches in their remaining three, to keep the ICC Champions Trophy hopes alive.
A top seven teams and hosts Pakistan will play the Champions Trophy in 2025 as per rules set by ICC.
As the experts suggested that the pitch will assist the spinners, Bangladesh got a ray of hope to snap their losing streak.

Bangladesh brought up one change with Towhid Hridoy returning to the squad, replacing Mahedi Hasan.

“We played the last game here, it was slow and there was turn. We have nothing to lose, we have to play well in the first 10 overs and hopefully we can go from there,” Shakib said after the toss.

“We haven’t been consistent enough, we have been doing bits and pieces but haven’t performed collectively and that has been disappointing. There isn’t much difference between here and Dhaka in terms of culture so hopefully we will have some good support.”

Pakistan also haven’t been in a good position after losing four straight matches. To keep the semifinal hopes alive, they must win this game.

They have made three changes to the square with Fakhar Zaman, Agha Salman and Usama Mir replacing Imam-ul-Haque, Shadah Khan and Mohammad Nawaz.

“We would also like to bat first. There might be some swing in it early on because there is some moisture in it. Last match we were good in all three departments. There was some good energy. I am also waiting for a big innings, I will try to convert it into a hundred,” Pakistan captain Babar Azam said.
Line Ups:
Bangladesh: Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan(c), Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mahmudullah, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam

Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf. (BSS)