Bangladesh vs Pakistan – 1st T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Bangladesh vs Pakistan taking place? Friday, November 19th, 2021 – 08:00 (UK)
Where is Bangladesh vs Pakistan taking place? Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur
What is the expected weather for Bangladesh vs Pakistan? 28-29c with sunshine and light winds.
What channel is Bangladesh vs Pakistan on? The match will not be televised in the UK.
Where can I stream Bangladesh vs Pakistan? This match cannot be streamed in the UK.
LAST MEETING
Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 9 wickets.
THE TEAM NEWS
BANGLADESH
- Bangladesh will have been disappointed with their T20 World Cup campaign, which saw them eliminated with no wins and five defeats to their name during the Super 12s stage after making their way through their qualification group.
- However, at home Bangladesh are a different, altogether more dangerous prospect having already secured series wins against Australia and New Zealand on their own patch, with spin-friendly pitches playing into their hands.
- Opening batter Tamim Iqbal will miss this match and the series due to a thumb injury, as will key all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and Tigers fans will be worried about the batting depth of their side.
PAKISTAN
- After winning all five of their Super 12s fixtures at the T20 World Cup including against fierce rivals India, Pakistan will have been devastated at losing Australia in the semi-finals in a match of such fine margins in Dubai.
- Pakistan can certainly take heart from their T20 World Cup campaign and head into this series with a well-balanced side that combines searing pace with mystery spin within their bowling attack, alongside one of the best opening partnerships in the world with the bat.
- Experienced all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has opted out of the series at his own request, with Pakistan calling up Iftikhar Ahmed in his place following his explosive performances in the recent National T20 Cup.
THE PREDICTION
Whilst Bangladesh will provide far tougher opposition than what they showed at the T20 World Cup, Pakistan are well equipped to handle the challenge in this form of the game. Having a settled side really benefits captain Babar Azam and they’ll be determined to put their semi-final heartbreak behind them here. The spin-bowling of Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim will likely prove crucial for them in this match and with a far stronger batting line-up than that of Bangladesh, Pakistan have to be favoured to take a series lead in Mirpur.
