Pakistan vs Bangladesh – 1st T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Pakistan vs Bangladesh taking place? Friday 24th January, 2020 – 09:00 (UK)
Where is Pakistan vs Bangladesh taking place? Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
What is the expected weather for Pakistan vs Bangladesh? 16c in sunshine and clear skies
What channel is Pakistan vs Bangladesh on? This match will not be televised live
Where can I stream Pakistan vs Bangladesh? This match will not be streamed live in the UK
Where can I get tickets for Pakistan vs Bangladesh? Ticket details for this match can be found here!
LAST MEETING
Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 55 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
PAKISTAN
- Pakistan’s place at the top of the T20 world rankings is under serious threat following a string of poor performances and they will surrender that spot if they fail to achieve a whitewash over Bangladesh in this three-match series.
- Despite topping the rankings since January 2018, it is nearly a year since Pakistan last won a T20 contest which came against South Africa last February which in a 2-1 series defeat. They have since lost their last six matches.
- Due to their dreadful form, Pakistan have made a host of changes to their squad that competed in their last series against Australia with Mohammad Hafeez, Shaheen Afridi and Shaoib Malik all set to return while there could be debuts for Haris Rauf and Ashan Ali.
BANGLADESH
- Bangladesh will hope to put the off-field drama that has blighted their preparation for this series behind them as they look to take advantage of Pakistan’s poor T20 form and cause an upset.
- The tourists nearly pulled the plug on the series after demanding that they only wanted to participate in T20 matches in Pakistan but an agreement was reached for a three-legged tour with the first part set to feature just 20-over contests.
- Several of the Bangladesh squad have had issues in confirming their availability for this series due to security concerns and that has seen Mushfiqur Rahim stay at home, with his absence is likely to result in numerous changes to the order of the batting line-up which will place plenty of pressure on Tamim Iqbal.
THE PREDICTION
Pakistan and Bangladesh will hope to let the cricket do the talking after doubts over whether this series would take place were finally put to bed. Pakistan are on a poor run of form in T20 matches and will need to start improving ahead of the World Cup. Bangladesh will have to deal with the absence of key man Mushfiqur Rahim as well as several of their coaching staff and although they should give a good account of themselves, they are likely to fall short in this opening game.
