Match facts
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Start time 1530 local (0930 GMT)
Big Picture
Pakistan have already shown their unpredictability in the tournament. They were limp during the
defeat to India in the opening match and fought back
against Australia to keep their chances alive in the World T20. They are the only team to have reached the semi-finals of every World T20 so far, and need to win their last two matches to keep that record intact.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, are having a horror season, and now have three successive defeats in the tournament. Their
defeat to West Indies on Tuesday was their second-worst by margin of runs in the format and was followed by a
big loss to India. Their captain Mushfiqur Rahim has urged players to come out with their natural game rather than playing for their places. The semi-finals look out of their reach, especially given their record of never having beaten a top-eight team in a Twenty20 other than West Indies. Despite the poor record, Bangladesh's fans continue to be passionate supporters, and Mushfiqur's side will hope to give them something to brighten up their Sunday.
If Pakistan beat Bangladesh, they won't need to worry about net run-rates (unless there is a washout). They will have two wins, on par with West Indies, who they face in their final league game - the winner of that match will join India as semi-finalists from Group 2.
Form guide
(last five matches, most recent first)
Bangladesh: LLLWW
Pakistan: WLWWW
In the spotlight
Shakib Al Hasan, once again, is the man Bangladesh will expect to create a difference with both ball and bat. He's had two successive low scores with the bat, and will want to correct that, particularly against a tricky Pakistan attack.
Ahmed Shehzad has had a quiet tournament so far. His dismissals against India and Australia weren't a true reflection of the young aggressive batsman known for his powerful hitting. He has thrived in these conditions in the past, as recently as Asia Cup which ended earlier this month, and was the top run-getter
in the Bangladesh Premier League in 2012 with 486 runs. He needs to find that form again, or Pakistan will be tempted to turn to their back-up opener, the left-hander Sharjeel Khan.
Stats & trivia
- Bangladesh have played against Pakistan more often than against any other side, but have lost each of their six T20I matches, quite convincingly. The closest margin of defeat was 21 runs (when chasing) and four wickets with six balls to spare, when batting first.
- Shahid Afridi has a batting strike rate of 175 in T20Is versus Bangladesh - he has struck six sixes and six fours off 56 balls against them. With the ball, he has taken six wickets against them at an economy rate of 5.91.
