Braving the desert heat and injury of three of the five key players team tigers has advanced to virtual semi final of the intriguing Unimoni Asia Cup 2018. 

Bangladesh plays Pakistan to decide which of the two evenly matched teams plays India in the final for winning the cup. Bangladesh once went as close of 1 run from beating Pakistan for winning Asia cup. In one of the event in the past Pakistan all rounder now Prime Minister Imran Khan was reluctant for going to the ground for toss with Gazi Ashraf Lipu considering it waste of time. 

Bangladesh since then has white washed full strength Pakistan in the bilateral series. But Asia cup trophy still remains out of sight for team tigers. This time opportunity has come again for brave tigers for beating Pakistan and India and winning the cup. How sweet it would be if majestic Mashrafee lifts the cup after two great performances. It is going to be extremely difficult but not impossible 

Bangladesh has so far played four matches in the tournament. They cantered past woeful Sri Lanka in the first match but lost to Afghanistan playing poorly. They had to play against mighty India the following day braving the desert heat and enduring the journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Tigers lost badly. But the bounced back and beat Afghanistan in a nerve wrecking match by 3 runs. Bangladesh had to play three matches in four days in energy sapping conditions.

Pakistan won its first match comfortably against Hong Kong but was blown away by traditional rival India in group stage match. Then it struggled to beat Afghanistan by three wickets with only three balls to spare. They were shocked and awed again by India losing by 9 wickets.

While Pakistan is leaking the wounds losing badly against India twice in quick succession Bangladesh has recovered the momentum.  Great Mashrafe knows how to squeeze the best out of his mates .Tigers are hungry for the prey.

How to Dispose Off Pakistan?

True that injury to Tamim Iqbal one of the most consistent top quality international cricketer of the recent time has rocked the balance of the team. Bangladesh top order has struggled producing a good opening partnership. However, return of tried and tested Imrul Kayes and his success at the late middle order has brought some relief. Bangladesh must have considered seriously whether to play him at the top either as opener or number three. Against Afghanistan it was a case of countering the threat of Rashid Khan in the middle overs. 

Pakistan possesses some top quality fast bowlers Mohammad Amir, Usman, Hasan Ali. We would suggest playing Imrul Kayes either as opening partner of Liton Das or at number three. Kayes was one of the prolific opening batsman and able partner of Tamim in not too distant past. We would also suggest giving Soumya Sarkar another opportunity of opening the innings. He has good record against Pakistan. He plays pace well. Pakistan attack apart from Shadab Khan is pace heavy. Mithun and Shanto are not more experienced than Soumya. Shakib can be saved for number four or five sandwiching between Mushfique and Mahmudullah. His aggression in middle order can be more useful than risking him at number three. 

Mashrafee, Mehidy Miraj, Rubel and Mustafiz can make the team. If the toss is won Bangladesh batting first should target 270 -280.  We are sure Bangladesh batsmen after playing Rashid Khan well has now learned the lesson of playing Shadab Khan well. The quality Bangladesh attack can defend that score against confused Pakistan batting.

Pakistan is suffering with it’s out of form batting line up and yet to settle into tune bowling. Blaster Fakhar Zaman has not played one good innings yet. Talented youngster Ima Ul Haq played one great innings but failed in others. Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik are the two top quality batsmen in the line up. Mashrafe must target upsetting the balance of Pakistan team saving his experienced bowler Shakib and Rubel bowling at them. 

If Mashrafe and Mehidy can make early inroads into Pakistan batting Pakistan would panic and may not be able chasing Bangladesh set target. Bangladesh must not allow Sarfraz and Asif Ali settling  in the wicket for killer punch. We are sure Mashrafe would smartly maneuver his bowling resources. 

Let us first dispose off Pakistan today in the very crucial match. We will then work out prescription for winning the Asia cup. Winning against Pakistan will give great momentum for team tigers. The plot for beating India can be prepared. Bangladesh has to win this Asia cup for making hay while the sun shines 

Probable Playing XI:

Bangladesh: Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad, Moasddek Hossain, Mehidy Miraj, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Rubel Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman 

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam Ul Haq, Babar Zaman, Shoab Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed, Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Usman Khan and Hasan Ali 

BDST: 0916 HRS, SEPT 26, 2018
SI