ICC World Cup 2019: Match 43, Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

After England’s victory over New Zealand in Chester-le-Street, three teams the hosts, India and Australia have confirmed their semi-final berths for the 2019 World Cup. There is one spot up for grabs and the Black Caps along with Pakistan are fighting to make it their own. On Wednesday, the Kiwis lost by 119 runs, but their Net Run Rate is a massive positive for them. Meanwhile, Pakistan are scheduled to lock horns with Bangladesh at the Lord’s in London.

The Men in Green are on the cusp of elimination as they need to pull off something miraculous in order to topple New Zealand’s NRR. It can be said that Kane Williamson & Co are set for the semis berth despite three back-to-back defeats. As far as Bangladesh team is concerned, they bowed out after their 28-run drubbing at the hands of India. With nothing to lose, Mashrafe Mortaza’s men would want to bow out on a positive note.

Weather Report

There are no chances of rain in tomorrow’s game. Hence, an uninterrupted game can be expected. 45 per cent cloud cover will be there, but it’s harmless. Moreover, the sun will also be shining brightly. The atmosphere won’t be cold with the temperature in between 21 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius. The humidity will be in the 40s and 50s throughout the duration of the encounter.

Pitch Report

The track at Lord’s has helped the team, batting first. The chasing sides haven’t found the going easy, having lost games by 49, 64 and 86 runs respectively. Hence, the numbers suggest that it won’t be a sensible move to bat second. The pitch is a bit on the slower side, and it has something for the pacers as well, as shown by the likes of Boult and Starc. An overly high-scoring affair may not be on the cards.

Team Combinations

Pakistan

Pakistan won’t be keen to tinker with their winning combination. Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq need to learn the art of converting starts. Babar Azam is in prime form, having notched 378 runs in seven games at an average of 63. Mohammad Hafeez has done his bit in the middle order. After a couple of impressive half-centuries, Haris Sohail failed in the last game and he’ll be keen to make amends.

Imad Wasim gave a good account of himself, scoring a match-winning 49 last time around. Sarfaraz has a half-century, but hasn’t done anything worth recognition apart from that. In the bowling department, Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz have been exceptional. But in the last few contests, even Shaheen Shah Afridi has given his team breakthroughs. Leg-spinner Shadab Khan has been reasonable.

Probable XI

Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Sarfaraz Ahmed (C & wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Bangladesh

The Tigers may bring in Mahmudullah, who missed the last game due to a calf injury, provided he is fit. Sabbir Rahman is likely to make way for Riyad. Rubel Hossain hasn’t been impressive and he may be replaced by Mehidy Hasan, who can be tough to score off on a slow deck. Soumya Sarkar has shown a lot of promise, but he needs to get the big scores. The experienced Tamim Iqbal hasn’t been at his very best either.

Shakib Al Hasan’s numbers speak for themselves and he has been exceptional. Mushfiqur Rahim has shouldered the responsibility in the middle order pretty efficiently. Bangladesh will wish for a bit of consistency from Liton Das. Mohammad Saifuddin, scoring a fifty in the previous game, was a big positive for the team. Mustafizur has been their standout performer. Mashrafe would want to make his last World Cup game memorable.

Probable XI

Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Liton Das, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Sabbir Rahman/Mahmudullah Riyad, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Rubel Hossain/Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman

Probable Top Performer

Pakistan – Babar Azam  | Bangladesh — Tamim Iqbal

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports

Online– Hotstar

Match Timings – 15:00 IST; 10:30 local

The prediction is for the team, batting first to win the match.