It is not often that Pakistan enters a match against Bangladesh tagged as the underdogs and with their confidence at its lowest.

Ahead of the only T20 between the two sides today, the 'favourites' tag is well deserved by Bangladesh after their 3-0 rout of Pakistan in the ODI series and if its anything is anything to go by, Mashrafe Mortaza's batting line-up appears settled and in terrific form. Their bowling is a nice all round look to it as well.

Pakistan will welcome the change of format though. It is ranked No. 3 in the International Cricket Council's T20I rankings and is among the most consistent sides in a format known for its unpredictability. Shahid Afridi, who retired from ODIs after the World Cup, will lead Pakistan and will look to inject some much-needed positivity into the camp.

Current form, momentum and home advantage point to Bangladesh. It wouldn't be wise, however, to rule out Pakistan in a format which is as unpredictable as its cricket.

Opinion

Editorial

Wheat price crash
Updated 20 May, 2024

Wheat price crash

What the government has done to Punjab’s smallholder wheat growers by staying out of the market amid crashing prices is deplorable.
Afghan corruption
20 May, 2024

Afghan corruption

AMONGST the reasons that the Afghan Taliban marched into Kabul in August 2021 without any resistance to speak of ...
Volleyball triumph
20 May, 2024

Volleyball triumph

IN the last week, while Pakistan’s cricket team savoured a come-from-behind T20 series victory against Ireland,...
Border clashes
19 May, 2024

Border clashes

THE Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier has witnessed another series of flare-ups, this time in the Kurram tribal district...
Penalising the dutiful
19 May, 2024

Penalising the dutiful

DOES the government feel no remorse in burdening honest citizens with the cost of its own ineptitude? With the ...
Students in Kyrgyzstan
Updated 19 May, 2024

Students in Kyrgyzstan

The govt ought to take a direct approach comprising convincing communication with the students and Kyrgyz authorities.