The Asia Cup frequently presents matches that resemble knockout rounds far in advance of the final, and the current 17th edition is no exception.
Bangladesh and Pakistan face off tonight in Dubai, with significant stakes at play—essentially a semifinal disguised as a Super Four match.
The scenario seven years prior was very analogous, although in a 50-over format instead of T20. Moreover, Bangladesh and Pakistan encountered a critical confrontation, with the pre-match ambiance predominantly favoring Pakistan’s advancement to play India; nonetheless, it ultimately did not transpire.
During yesterday’s news conference, Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi refrained from fueling speculation about a final against India. India has not yet reached the final. Our current objective is to win the final and secure the Asia Cup.
In 2018, Shoaib Malik chose not to focus on the opponents, whilst Afridi candidly recognized the challenge posed by Bangladesh. He identified Captain Litton Das and others as players whom Pakistan should not underestimate. Litton was sidelined as a precautionary measure due to a slight injury sustained during training while the Tigers faced India yesterday.
Bangladesh has been performing really well lately. When facing such an opponent, it is imperative to initiate the assault; we must not give them any opportunity to counter.
In their head-to-head record, Pakistan possesses a definitive advantage in T20 matches, having won 15 out of 20 encounters, while Bangladesh has secured victory in just five. However, the situation has become more nuanced in recent years. Over the past two years, the results have been closely matched, with Pakistan securing four victories and Bangladesh achieving three.
The Tigers will retain the recollection of their home series victory over Pakistan in July of this year, where the slower wickets benefitted them. Previously, in Lahore, they were decisively defeated on batting-friendly surfaces. The Dubai pitch is anticipated to provide a balance that favors bowlers while still allowing for early bounce conducive to stroke play.
Pakistan has not performed at its best, particularly evident in its extensive losses to India. Bangladesh, although relatively consistent, triumphed against Afghanistan in the group stage and Sri Lanka in their Super Four opener, maintaining their strong position to reach the final, irrespective of the outcome against India.
The primary concern for the men in green is their underperforming top order, despite Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan displaying relatively good form. In contrast, the Tigers seem more balanced, with Towhid Hridoy regaining form and opener Saif Hassan emerging as a notable player. The cunning fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s rhythm, complemented with spin alternatives and discipline in the last overs, may be decisive.
Pakistan’s campaign has shown signs of revival; nonetheless, their victory over Sri Lanka demonstrated their resilience. Afridi is once again spearheading the bowling attack, while Abrar Ahmed has provided stability. Their depth has been scrutinized, with Haris Rauf being omitted early on. However, questions were raised when Mohammad Nawaz was excluded from consecutive matches, despite coach Mike Hesson previously lauding him as the “world’s best left-arm spinner,” a statement that elicited ridicule online.
Currently, two-time winners Pakistan must earn a victory tonight to maintain their aspirations for the final. At the same time, the Tigers, who have yet to achieve success in multi-national competitions, will want to approach a historic milestone once more.
The setting is recognizable, the stakes are substantial.
