After losing six out of eight matches in the ICC T20 World Cup, Bangladesh will be back in action, against Pakistan in the first T20I of the three-match series. The match will be played at Shere Bangla National Stadium, where this year's average first innings total has been 119.
While the low-scoring Mirpur pitch suits Bangladesh, but their inability to adapt to different conditions were laid bare in the World Cup. They signed off with five straight defeats in the Super 12s. Their series wins against Australia and New Zealand – the World Cup finalists – were shaped largely by the bowlers, but their batting have been sub-par.
In addition to that, Shakib Al Hasan is unavailable in this series due to a hamstring injury, while Mushfiqur Rahim has opted out.
In Shakib's absence, the spin department will be managed by Nasum Ahmed and Mahedi Hasan. Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed will lead the fast-bowling attack.
Moreover, the management has shown exit doors to some of experienced players like Soumya Sarkar and Liton Das. Mohammad Naim and Saif Hassan are likely to open batting, followed by a middle order consisting of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Yasir Ali and Mahmudullah.
Pakistan, meanwhile, have rested Asif Ali and Imad Wasim for this series. Mohammad Nawaz is likely to replace Asif. Shadab Khan will be the main spinner, assisted by Shoaib Malik and Nawaz. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will continue to open open batting.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Rizwan and Babar are among the leading run-getters in T20 this year. Pick both of them.
- Mustafizur and Nasum are must-haves for your fantasy XI.
Probable XI:
Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Yasir Ali, Mahmudullah (c), Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed.
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Shoaib Malik, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi
Fantasy XI:
Mohammad Rizwan (vc), Babar Azam (c), Mahmudullah, Mohammad Naim, Fakhar Zaman, Yasir Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed