Bangladesh have held their nerve to defeat Pakistan by 5 wickets. Chasing 130, Bangladesh looked set to stroll to a win before Amir brought Pakistan back into contention. In the end, the Tigers needed 18 off 12 deliveries, and Mahmullah and captain Mashrafe Mortaza with some lusty blows took them home with five balls remaining.

Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 5 wickets

BAN 131/5

Over 19.1 (4 runs)

Mahmudullah* 22* (15) | M Mortaza 12* (7)

19.1: Anwar to Mahmudullah, FOUR! Smashed it over mid-wicket! Bangladesh win! Pakistan is out of the Asia Cup T20!

Anwar Ali to bowl the final over.

BAN 127/5

Over 19 (15 runs)

Mahmudullah* 18* (14) | M Mortaza 12* (7)

18.6: Sami to Mahmudullah, 1 run

18.6: Sami to Mahmudullah, (nb + FOUR)

18.5: Sami to Mahmudullah, 2 runs

18.4: Sami to Mortaza, 1 run

18.4: Sami to Mortaza, (nb + 2)

18.3: Sami to Mahmudullah, 1 run

18.2: Sami to Mashrafe Mortaza, 1 run

18.1: Sami to Mahmudullah, 1 run

Sami into his last over.

Bangladesh require 18 more runs to win in 12 balls @ 9 RPO

BAN 112/5

Over 18 (8 runs, 1 wicket)

M Mortaza 8* (4) | Mahmudullah* 9* (9)

17.6: Amir to Mithun, no run

17.5: Amir to Mithun, no run

17.4: Amir to Mithun, FOUR! Bouncer on the body, the batsman, in his attempt to evade it gets his gloves in between, and the ball races away towards fine leg.

17.3: Amir to Mohammad Mithun, FOUR! Under pressure, towards long off.

17.2: Amir to Shakib, OUT! Bowled! Bangladesh five down.

17.1: Amir to Shakib, no run

Amir into his last over.

BAN 104/4

Over 17 (9 runs)

Mahmudullah 9* (9) | S Al Hasan* 8* (11)

16.6: Irfan to Mahmudullah, no run

16.5: Irfan to Shakib, 1 run

16.4: Irfan to Mahmudullah, 1 run

16.3: Irfan to Mahmudullah, no run

16.2: Irfan to Mahmudullah, SIX! Smacked it out of the park!

16.1: Irfan to Shakib, 1 run

Irfan back into the attack.

BAN 95/4

Over 16 (5 runs)

Mahmudullah 2* (5) | S Al Hasan* 7* (9)

15.6: Sami to Mahmudullah, no run

15.5: Sami to Shakib, 1 run

15.4: Sami to Shakib, 2 runs

15.3: Sami to Mahmudullah, 1 run

15.2: Sami to Shakib, 1 run

15.1: Sami to Shakib, no run

Sami comes in to bowl his third over.

BAN 90/4

Over 15 (3 runs, 1 wicket)

Mahmudullah 1* (3) | S Al Hasan* 3* (5)

14.6: Malik to Mahmudullah, no run

14.5: Malik to Mahmudullah, no run

14.4: Malik to Shakib, 1 run

14.3: Malik to Mahmudullah, 1 run

14.2: Malik to Mushfiq, OUT! It was a surprise move by Afridi to bring Malik into attack and it worked just fine for Pakistan. The batsman tries to reverse sweep and misjudged the length of the delivery. Trapped LBW!

14.1: Malik to Shakib, 1 run

Shoaib Malik into the attack now.

BAN 87/3

Over 14 (5 runs, 1 wicket)

M Rahim 12* (14) | S Al Hasan* 1* (3)

13.6: Amir to Mushfiq, 2 runs

13.5: Amir to Shakib, 1 run

13.5: Amir to Shakib, (wide)

13.4: Amir to Shakib, no run

13.3: Amir to Shakib Al Hasan, no run

13.2: Amir to Sakar, OUT! Pakistan back into the game. Yorker! The danger man departs on 48!

13.1: Amir to Mushfiq, 1 run

Amir returns.

BAN 82/2

Over 13 (4 runs)

Soumya Sarkar 48* (47) | M Rahim* 9* (12)

12.6: Afridi to Sarkar, no run

12.5: Afridi to Mushfiq, 1 run

12.4: Afridi to Sarkar, 1 run

12.3: Afridi to Mushfiq, 1 run

12.2: Afridi to Sarkar, 1 run

12.1: Afridi to Sarkar, no run

Afridi continues.

Views from the stands: Dawn’s readers weight in on the PAK-BAN match

MOHAMMAD AL AMIN

Hello, Guys, I am from Bangladesh. I hope we will win today against Pakistan. But I am Pakistani Cricket fan and love to see them playing and always support Pakistan until unless they play against us.

Now I have few question to all of you. Question 1: What the hell Khurram Monsoor is doing in this T20 Side as he is known as test batsman and never even got chance in recent PSL?? Where is Ahmed Shazed or even Khalid Latif???

Question 2: Why Pakistan always mess up with their selection?

Thanks Bangladesh

NASIR

When will Pakistan team learn? How many more experiments they want to do? I remember Waqar (the coach) saying after getting thrashed black and blue with New zealand that team has got good experience and will perform good in the upcoming tournaments. If this is good then god knows what will be bad.

AJAY

If BD does not do anything stupid they should win from here. But loved the way they attacked Amir. Most probably in final they are going to retain the same pitch. Worrying signs for India if BD batsmen are playing such shots.

PRATAP

Am I the only one thinking Amir is not that effective on pitches that do not assist pace? He surely is a good bowler, but it’s too early to compare him with Wasim. Wasim has proved himself over a period of time against all opponents and on all types of wickets. There is a reason why we call him a legend and not just a good bowler.

IQBAL HADI ZAIDI

This is what is expected of Boom. He should take wickets to keep his place since as batsman Afridi has failed. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait

BILAL JAMIL

There are some serious issues that are not correctly handled by Shahryar & Waqar. Top salaries are paid for top performances.

We Pakistani do not deserve to be humiliated just because someone’s lack of performance. Pakistan is a much better Team than what is being portrayed in the recent years.

BAN 78/2

Over 12 (5 runs)

Soumya Sarkar* 47* (43) | M Rahim 7* (10)

11.6: Sami to Sarkar, 1 run

11.5: Sami to Mushfiq, 1 run

11.4: Sami to Sarkar, 1 run

11.3: Sami to Mushfiq, 1 run

11.2: Sami to Sarkar, 1 run

11.1: Sami to Sarkar, no run

Sami returns.

BAN 73/2

Over 11 (8 runs)

M Rahim 5* (8) | Soumya Sarkar* 44* (39)

10.6: Afridi to Mushfiq, no run

10.5: Afridi to Mushfiq, 2 runs

10.4: Afridi to Mushfiq, no run

10.3: Afridi to Sarkar, 1 run

10.2: Afridi to Sarkar, FOUR! Leggish and the batsman just sweeps it! Brilliantly done!

10.1: Afridi to Mushfiq, 1 run

Afridi continues.

BAN 65/2

Over 10 (15 runs)

Soumya Sarkar 39* (37) | M Rahim* 2* (4)

9.6: Anwar to Sarkar, FOUR! Bangladesh batsmen are targeting the weak link: Anwar Ali that is.

9.6: Anwar to Sarkar, (wide)

9.5: Anwar to Sarkar, 2 runs

9.4: Anwar to Mushfiq, 1 run

9.3: Anwar to Mushfiq, no run

9.2: Anwar to Sarkar, 1 run

9.1: Anwar to Sarkar, SIX! Goes down the track and clubs it powerfully!

Anwar Ali continues.

In other news, Pakistan’s World T20 participation is still on

Here’s what Shaharyar Khan had to say about reports in the media which put Pakistan’s participation in the World T20 in India under doubt:

“I came to know about this some time ago through the TV channels. However, I was called up by the BCCI officials and clearly told that there is nothing to worry as the issues will be re solved. I was promised that the Pakistan team will be provided with the highest level of security when we arrive in India later this month,” Khan was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz

“I would not want to comment on that simply because it will be equivalent to jumping the gun. For the moment, let’s wait and see the developments in the coming days. There is no point making any statements.”

BAN 50/2

Over 9 (4 runs, 1 wicket)

Soumya Sarkar* 26* (33) | M Rahim 1* (2)

8.6: Afridi to Sarkar, 1 run

8.5: Afridi to Sarkar, 2 runs

8.4: Afridi to Sarkar, no run

8.3: Afridi to Mushfiq, 1 run

8.2: Afridi to Mushfiqur Rahim, no run

8.1: Afridi to Sabbir, OUT! Quicker one and the batsman fails to read it. Dances down the wicket and gets beaten by the length of it. Bowled!

Afridi continues.

BAN 46/1

Over 8 (6 runs)

S Rahman* 14* (14) | Soumya Sarkar 23* (30)

7.6: Anwar to Sabbir, 1 run

7.5: Anwar to Sarkar, 1 run

7.4: Anwar to Sarkar, no run

7.3: Anwar to Sarkar, no run

7.2: Anwar to Sabbir, 3 runs

7.1: Anwar to Sarkar, 1 run

Bowling change, Anwar Ali into the attack. now.

Waqar Younis cannot teach the players how to bat: Hanif Mohammad

“Current coach Waqar Younis cannot teach the players how to bat,” Pakistan legend Hanif Mohammad says.

The ‘Little Master’ has called for the team management to appoint a batting coach who should ‘ideally’ be from Pakistan

BAN 40/1

Over 7 (6 runs)

S Rahman 10* (12) | Soumya Sarkar* 21* (26)

6.6: Afridi to Sarkar, no run

6.5: Afridi to Sabbir, 1 run

6.4: Afridi to Sarkar, no run

6.3: Afridi to Sarkar, FOUR! Leggish and the batsman sweeps it towards fine leg.

6.2: Afridi to Sabbir, 1 run

6.1: Afridi to Sabbir, no run

Shahid Afridi brings himself into the attack.

BAN 34/1

Over 6 (4 runs)

S Rahman* 10* (9) | Soumya Sarkar 16* (23)

5.6: Irfan to Sabbir, 1 run

5.5: Irfan to Sabbir, no run

5.4: Irfan to Sarkar, 1 run

5.3: Irfan to Sabbir, 1 run

5.2: Irfan to Sabbir, no run

5.1: Irfan to Sarkar, 1 run

Irfan continues.

BAN 30/1

Over 5 (6 runs)

Soumya Sarkar* 14* (21) | S Rahman 8* (5)

4.6: Sami to Sarkar, 1 run

4.5: Sami to Sarkar, no run

4.4: Sami to Sarkar, no run

4.3: Sami to Sarkar, no run

4.2: Sami to Sabbir, 1 run

4.1: Sami to Sabbir, FOUR! On the leg side, flicked away. Made it look very simple.

Mohammad Sami into the attack.

Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, this is a solid batting line that Bangladesh have got.

Mashrafe Mortaza is oldest player in this squad at 32 while the rest are all under 30. So this lot is going to around another 5-8 years and definitely a real force in World cricket.

BAN 24/1

Over 4 (2 runs)

Soumya Sarkar 13* (17) | S Rahman* 4* (3)

3.6: Irfan to Sarkar, no run

3.5: Irfan to Sabbir, 1 run

3.4: Irfan to Sarkar, 1 run

3.3: Irfan to Sarkar, no run

3.2: Irfan to Sarkar, no run

3.1: Irfan to Sarkar, no run

Irfan into his second over.

BAN 22/1

Over 3 (5 runs)

S Rahman 3* (2) | Soumya Sarkar* 12* (12)

2.6: Amir to Sarkar, no run

2.5: Amir to Sarkar, 1 run

2.4: Amir to Sarkar, no run

2.3: Amir to Sarkar, FOUR! Shortish and charged! Bangladesh batsmen are taking on Amir.

2.2: Amir to Sarkar, no run

2.1: Amir to Sarkar, no run

Amir continues.

BAN 17/1

Over 2 (9 runs, 1 wicket)

Soumya Sarkar* 7* (7) | S Rahman 3* (1)

1.6: Irfan to Sarkar, 1 run

1.5: Irfan to Sabbir, 3 runs

1.4: Irfan to Tamim, OUT! Pakistan get the first one. Trapped Tamim leg before on seven.

1.3: Irfan to Sarkar, 1 run

1.2: Irfan to Sarkar, FOUR! Beautiful shot! A bit square and into the gap.

1.1: Irfan to Sarkar, no run

Mohammad Irfan into the attack.

BAN 8/0

Over 1 (8 runs)

T Iqbal 7* (3) | Soumya Sarkar* 1* (3)

0.6: Amir to Tamim, SIX! Tamim makes it big! Smacks it out of the park!

0.5: Amir to Tamim, no run

0.4: Amir to Sarkar, 1 run

0.3: Amir to Sarkar, no run

0.2: Amir to Sarkar, no run

0.1: Amir to Tamim, 1 run

Mohammad Amir starts off for Pakistan. Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar out to bat for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh need 130 runs to win in 20 overs

PAK 129/7

Over 20 (12 runs, 1 wicket)

S Ahmed* 58* (42)

19.6: Hossain to Anwar, OUT! He falls! Bangladesh end the innings on a high. Departs on 13.

19.5: Hossain to Anwar, 2 runs

19.4: Hossain to Anwar, 2 runs

19.3: Hossain to Sarfraz, 1 run

19.2: Hossain to Sarfraz, SIX! Muscles it over square-leg!

19.1: Hossain to Anwar, 1 run

Hossain to bowl the final over.

PAK 117/6

Over 19 (12 runs)

S Ahmed 51* (40) | Anwar Ali* 8* (5)

18.6: Taskin to Sarfraz, FOUR! Brilliantly done! Also brings up fifty for Sarfraz!

18.5: Taskin to Anwar, 1 run

18.4: Taskin to Anwar, FOUR! Top edge and into the fine leg fence.

18.3: Taskin to Sarfraz, 1 run

18.2: Taskin to Anwar, 1 run

18.1: Taskin to Sarfraz, 1 run

Taskin into the attack.

Afridi’s last five T20 innings

0 (this match), DNB, 2, 8, 7

His recent statements that he was reconsidering his decision to retire from T20s created a storm in Pakistan

PAK 104/6

Over 18 (3 runs, 1 wicket)

Anwar Ali* 1* (2) | S Ahmed 45* (37)

17.6: Hossain to Anwar, 1 run

17.5: Hossain to Anwar Ali, no run

17.4: Hossain to Sarfraz, 1 run

17.3: Hossain to Afridi, OUT! Just came in and departs for zero. High full toss and he couldn’t time it properly. Sabbir takes an easy catch.

17.2: Hossain to Shahid Afridi, no run

17.1: Hossain to Sarfraz, 1 run

Hossain comes back into the attack.

PAK 101/5

Over 17 (10 runs, 1 wicket)

S Ahmed* 43* (35) | S Afridi 0* (0)

16.6: Sunny to Sarfraz, 1 run

16.5: Sunny to Sarfraz, 2 runs and 100 comes up for Pakistan

16.4: Sunny to Malik, OUT! Malik departs on 41. Tries to go over the top but couldn’t hit it properly. Big wicket for Bangladesh!

16.3: Sunny to Malik, FOUR! Classic shot! Into the gap!

16.2: Sunny to Malik, 2 runs

16.1: Sunny to Sarfraz, 1 run

Sunny into the attack.

PAK 91/4

Over 16 (12 runs)

S Malik 35* (27) | S Ahmed* 39* (32)

15.6: Sunny to Malik, FOUR! Walks down the track and smashed it straight down the ground!

15.5: Sunny to Malik, FOUR! Smacked it through covers.

15.4: Sunny to Sarfraz, 1 run

15.3: Sunny to Sarfraz, 2 runs

15.2: Sunny to Malik, 1 run

15.1: Sunny to Malik, no run

Sunny returns.

PAK 79/4

Over 15 (14 runs)

S Ahmed 36* (30) | S Malik* 26* (23)

14.6: Mortaza to Sarfraz, SIX! Smacks it over mid-wicket!

14.5: Mortaza to Sarfraz, no run

14.4: Mortaza to Malik, 1 run

14.3: Mortaza to Sarfraz, 1 run

14.2: Mortaza to Sarfraz, no run

14.1: Mortaza to Sarfraz, FOUR! Sweet timing!

Mortaza continues.

PAK 65/4

Over 14 (11 runs)

S Ahmed 23* (25) | S Malik 25* (22)

13.6: SIX! Maliks hit this straight over the bowlers head fora big six. Sunny threw it up and Malik obliged!

13.5: Sarfraz picks another single

13.4: Malik hammers this and the ball races to the fielder at wide long off, one run

13.3: Sarfraz plays his favourite sweep shot and picks up a single

13.2: Malik picks up another single

13.1: Sarfraz dances down the wickets, but adjust as the ball turns a bit and he ends up hitting it straight over the bowler’s head. One run

Pakistan made another record their own today

The 34 in 10 overs is their lowest in T20s overtaking the 35 against West Indies in 2014

PAK 54/4

Over 13 (8 runs)

S Malik 17* (19) | S Ahmed* 20* (22)

12.6: Mortaza to Malik, no run

12.5: Mortaza to Malik, 2 runs

12.4: Mortaza to Malik, no run

12.3: Mortaza to Malik, FOUR! The batsman cuts it into the gap on the off side. 50 comes up for Pakistan in the 13th over!

12.2: Mortaza to Sarfraz, 1 run

12.1: Mortaza to Malik, 1 run

Mortaza into the attack.

Pakistan could do with even one batsman like Saeed Anwar right now

Notice the run rate?

PAK 46/4

Over 12 (6 runs)

S Malik* 10* (14) | S Ahmed 19* (21)

11.6: Shakib to Malik, 1 run

11.5: Shakib to Malik, 2 runs

11.4: Shakib to Malik, no run

11.3: Shakib to Sarfraz, 1 run

11.2: Shakib to Sarfraz, no run

11.1: Shakib to Sarfraz, 2 runs

Shakib continues.

PAK 40/4

Over 11 (6 runs)

S Malik 7* (11) | S Ahmed* 16* (18)

10.6: Sunny to Malik, FOUR! Leggish and the batsman guides it towards fine leg. The fielder was up in the circle.

10.5: Sunny to Sarfraz, 1 run

46 dot balls so far.

10.4: Sunny to Malik, 1 run

10.3: Sunny to Malik, no run

10.2: Sunny to Malik, no run

10.1: Sunny to Malik, no run

Pakistan’s run-rate is 3.40 at the moment. This is T20 cricket we are talking about. Arafat Sunny back into the attack.

PAK 34/4

Over 10 (5 runs)

S Ahmed 15* (17) | S Malik* 2* (6)

9.6: Shakib to Sarfraz, FOUR! Magnificent shot, but Pakistan would need many of those to be able to put something decent on the scoreboard.

9.5: Shakib to Sarfraz, no run

9.4: Shakib to Sarfraz, no run

9.3: Shakib to Sarfraz, no run

9.2: Shakib to Malik, 1 run

9.1: Shakib to Malik, no run

Shakib into the attack.

PAK 29/4

Over 9 (1 run)

S Ahmed 11* (13) | S Malik 1* (4)

8.6: One run. Malik tries to cut this one but the ball gets big on and it flies through where gully would’ve been.

8.5: This one jags back in a Malik can only defend it

8.4: Malik lets this one go to the keeper

8.3: Tasking to the new man Shoaib Malik and he plays it straight it to the bowler.

8.2: OUT! Umar Akmal steps down the wickets and tries hit it over the covers but does not get anything on it. No timing, and clearly not in a position to play this shot.

8.1: Taskin to Umar Akmal, he can’t get it away

PAK 28/3

Over 8 (3 runs)

U Akmal 4* (9) | S Ahmed* 11* (13)

7.6: No run

7.5: No run

7.4: Akmal picks up a single as Shakib darts this one in

7.3: Sarfraz sweeps and there’s a loud appeal but he’s clearly hit it. One run

7.2: No run

7.1: One run, punched to long off

Shakib into the attack now, he can be a handful

PAK 25/3

Over 7 (5 runs)

U Akmal 2* (7) | S Ahmed* 10* (9)

6.6: No run

6.5: FOUR! Sarfraz meanwhile is playing in another game! Mortaza erred in line and Sarfraz whipped it to the midwicket boundary! Beautiful timing!

6.4: Akmal finally picks up a single as he works Mortaza to the leg side

6.3: Mortaza is right on the money again and Umar Akmal can’t find a gap

6.2: No run

6.1: Mortaza to Umar Akmal, no run

PAK 20/3

Over 6 (2 runs)

U Akmal 1* (3) | S Ahmed* 6* (7)

5.6: No run. The powerplay comes to an end and once again Pakistan’s numbers present a sorry picture.

5.5: No run. Sarfraz looking for the single again but its not there.

5.4: Akmal off the mark as he whips this one to square leg, one run

5.3: Al Amin to Umar Akmal, and a yorker first up.

5.2: One run. Sarfraz taps to short cover and almost a run out!

5.1: Al Amin Hossain to Sarfraz, no run. The replay shows Hafeez was hard done by the umpire. The ball travelling way over the stumps!

Bangladesh pace starlet Mustafizur Rahman, out of the Asia Cup with injury, has been signed on by English county Sussex.

The left-arm seamer will be available for the whole of the Natwest T20 Blast after an Indian Premier League stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The 20-year-old will stay in Hove for another month after New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor departs in July.

Mustafizur burst onto the international scene last June against India, becoming only the second bowler to take five-wicket hauls in his first two one-day internationals.

“He is a cricketer with incredible ability and is currently one of the bright young talents of world cricket,” said Sussex coach Mark Davis.

PAK 18/3

Over 5 (2 runs, 1 wicket)

U Akmal 0* (1) | S Ahmed* 5* (3)

4.6: Mortaza to Umar Akmal, no run

4.5: Mortaza to Hafeez, OUT! Trapped him leg before, Pakistan in trouble., three wickets down.

4.4: Mortaza to Hafeez, no run

4.3: Mortaza to Sarfraz, 1 run

4.2: Mortaza to Sarfraz, no run

4.1: Mortaza to Hafeez, 1 run

Bangladesh skipper Mortaza into the attack.

Bangladesh paceman Taskin Ahmed is certainly one for the future. He’s strongly built, has a nice smooth action and hits the deck hard.

He made a memorable ODI debut against India in 2014

PAK 16/2

Over 4 (8 runs, 1 wicket)

S Ahmed 4* (1) | M Hafeez* 1* (8)

3.6: Sunny to Sarfraz Ahmed, FOUR! He gets into business straight away. Pakistan’s bravest cricketer is on the crease. Sweeps it and the ball races away towards fine leg.

3.5: Sunny to Sharjeel, OUT! He bites the dust too! Pakistan’s experiment with the new opening pair has failed miserably. Sharjeel, in his attempt to sweep the ball, gets beaten by the length and clean bowled.

3.4: Sunny to Sharjeel, no run

3.3: Sunny to Sharjeel, no run

3.2: Sunny to Sharjeel, FOUR! Goes back into his crease and hits it on the leg side, beating the fielder.

3.1: Sunny to Sharjeel, no run

Arafat Sunny into the attack.

PAK 8/1

Over 3 (0 runs)

M Hafeez 1* (8) | S Khan* 6* (3)

2.6: Taskin to Hafeez, no run

2.5: Taskin to Hafeez, no run

2.4: Taskin to Hafeez, no run

2.3: Taskin to Hafeez, no run

2.2: Taskin to Hafeez, no run

2.1: Taskin to Hafeez, no run

Taskin continues.

Khurram Manzoor has had quite an ordinary comeback to the Pakistan side thus far. He had last represented Pakistan in a Test in 2014.

His selection in the T20 side was truly baffling. He was asked to debut in a T20 event after spending plenty of time playing First-class and List A cricket.

His technique and lack of balance at the crease have made him a sitting duck on these seaming Bangladesh wickets.

PAK 8/1

Over 2 (7 runs, 1 wicket)

S Khan 6* (3) | M Hafeez* 1* (2)

1.6: Hossain to Sharjeel, no run

1.5: Hossain to Sharjeel, SIX! The batsman flicks it over square-leg.

1.4: Hossain to Sharjeel, no run

1.3: Hossain to Hafeez, 1 run

1.2: Hossain to Mohammad Hafeez, no run

Manzoor has not been able to justify his selection. Third consecutive failure. Looks like Pakistan are missing services of Ahmed Shehzad here.

1.1: Hossain to Manzoor, OUT! A little bit of movement with lots of bounce and he had Manzoor early. Straight into the gloves of wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim.

Al-Amin Hossain comes in to bowl.

PAK 1/0

Over 1 (1 run)

K Manzoor* 1* (6) | S Khan 0* (0)

0.6: Taskin to Manzoor, 1 run

0.5: Taskin to Manzoor, no run

0.4: Taskin to Manzoor, no run

0.3: Taskin to Manzoor, no run

0.2: Taskin to Manzoor, no run

0.1: Taskin to Manzoor, no run

Pakistan batsmen are on the crease. Khurram Manzoor and Sharjeel Khan to open. Taskin Ahmed to begin bowling for Bangladesh.

Soumya Sarkar and co absolutely hammered Pakistan when the two teams last met

Pakistan have opted to bat first on what is a relatively easier pitch for the batsmen. But with the Bangladesh line up packed with big hitters, Afridi’s men would need to put at least 150-160 on the board to truly test the hosts.

Here’s what coach Waqar Younis had to say about Pakistan opposition today:

“They played really well against us, in the ODIs as well as the T20 last year. I’m not really sure if that gives them an edge or not, but they are a very improved side in the last year or so, and are now playing good cricket. We’ve got to be really up with our A game to play against them.”

Here are the two squads:

Pakistan

Mohammad Hafeez, Sharjeel Khan, Khurram Manzoor, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed†, Shahid Afridi*, Anwar Ali, Mohammad Sami, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan

Bangladesh

Mohammad Mithun, Soumya Sarkar, Tamim Iqbal, Sabbir Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Mashrafe Mortaza*, Al-Amin Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Arafat Sunny

The big news for today’s match is that the groundsmen have rolled out an absolute batting track for the crucial game.

Pakistan have been facing a storm at home after their comprehensive loss to India in their first Asia Cup outing. A seven-wicket win over UAE was unable to calm those sentiments and former captain Javed Miandad on Tuesday stopped just short of saying that Pakistan were doomed under Shahid Afridi’s captaincy.

Here’s what he had to say:

“How can you have a player who is not reliable. Afridi lost his place in the side a long time ago. How you can expect to win or make your cricket better when a player who has stopped being a reliable performer is your captain.”