The first T20 between Pakistan and Bangladesh takes place on Saturday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. With only a year left from the start of the T20 World Cup, both teams look to fine-tune their sides and identify their best possible combinations in this series. Although Bangladesh is the reigning Asia Cup champions, they will enter this game as the underdogs considering Pakistan’s resourceful roster led by Bismah Maroof and Nida Dar. All in all, an entertaining game of cricket between two very talented sides awaits on Saturday.
Match Details
Pakistan Women vs Bangladesh Women, 1st T20
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
October 26th, 2019
2:30 PM IST
Pitch Report
The pitch generally favours the batters although the recently concluded Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan saw the new ball bowlers get a lot of swing. The surface also favoured the spinners as the game progresses which could pave the way for a competitive match on Saturday between the two Asian sides.
Weather Report
The weather is all clear for this game which should make for an interesting game of cricket. There isn’t any chance of rain with temperatures hovering around 29 degrees Celsius.
Injuries: No injuries are reported
Predicted XI
Pakistan Women:
Pakistan will field its strongest side with the likes of Nahida Khan and Bismah Maroof batting in the middle order. Even without the services of Nida Dar, the Pakistani side looks formidable with their bowling unit being key to their fortunes. All eyes will be upon Aliya Riaz, who has carved up a reputation for her lower-order hitting and ability to pick wickets as well. Javeria Khan, who enjoyed a successful tour of South Africa with the bat, is also one to watch out for in this game.
Ayesha Zafar, Omaima Sohail, Javeria Khan, Bismah Maroof, Nahida Khan, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Sana Mir, Kainat Imtiaz and Diana Baig.
Bangladesh Women:
Bangladesh also has a well balanced side in its midst with the likes of Rumana Ahmed, Jahanara Alam and Sanjida Islam doing well for the national team this year. Salma Khatun, who picked six wickets in the previous T20 World Cup, will be their go-to bowler once again while the likes of Ayasha Rahman and Nigar Sultana are also expected to come up with good performances against the home side in Lahore
Sanjida Islam, Ayasha Rahman, Nigar Sultana, Sharmin Akhter, Fargana Hoque, Rumana Ahmed, Jahanara Alam, Lata Mondal, Salma Khatun, Khadija Tul Kubra and Sharmin Sultana
Top Picks:
Bismah Maroof scored 177 runs in their previous T20-I series against South Africa, which makes her selection a must in the side. Along with her, the likes of Nigar Sultana and Nahida Khan are also picked. Aliya Riaz and Sana Mir had also enjoyed successful tours of South Africa with Riaz scoring 105 runs and picking three wickets as well. Bangladesh pacer, Jahanara Alam should pick a wicket or two while the duo of Hoque and Ahmed should round the team off for this much-awaited game between the two sides.
Captaincy Picks:
1. Bismah Maroof
2. Javeria Khan
3. Aliya Raiz
Fantasy Team & Point Projections
N Sultana, Points: 28-30, Grade: B
J Khan, Points: 68-70, Grade: A
A Riaz, Points: 60-62, Grade: A
N Khan, Points: 55-57, Grade: A
F Hoque, Points: 25-27, Grade: B
J Alam, Points: 45-47, Grade: A
R Ahmed, Points: 39-41, Grade: B
B Maroof, Points: 80-82, Grade: A
S Mir, Points: 48-50, Grade: A
D Baig, Points: 30-32, Grade: B
K Tul Kubra, Points: 40-42, Grade: A
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are that of the author and not an actual reflection of the number of points that the player will earn.
