BAN vs PAK: Match Preview, Pakistan tour of Bangladesh 2021, 2nd T20I

After enjoying a pretty good outing in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Pakistan Cricket Team are set to play three T20 internationals against Bangladesh. The second match of the series is scheduled to be played on 20^th November 2021 on Saturday.

Pakistan and Bangladesh have played against each other 13 times in T20 internationals, of which Pakistan have emerged victorious 10 times. Bangladesh, on the other hand, have beaten Pakistan twice. On that note, here’s a look at these two teams shape up ahead of the second T20 international.

BAN vs PAK: Match Preview, Pakistan tour of Bangladesh 2021, 2nd T20I

Pakistan:

Pakistan’s recent form is exceptional. They are coming into the tournament on the back of a successful campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. Pakistan won all five matches played in the Super 12 stage and thus finished the round at number one position. However, a defeat against Australia in the Semi-Final, unfortunately, ended their hopes of lifting the title.

Pakistan have trusted their players and announced the squad which is similar to the one played in the World Cup. There is only one change in the squad. M Hafeez has decided to sit out as he wanted the younger players to get more opportunities.

Iftikhar Ahmed has replaced him. Babar Azam will continue to lead the team, while M Rizwan will assume the vice-captaincy duties. The middle-order will have the likes of Fakhar Zaman, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, and Haider Ali to name a few.

Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the fast bowling attack. He will be supported by the likes of Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Shahnawaz Dahani.

Bangladesh:

Bangladesh, on the other hand, aren’t in the best of form as far as T20 internationals are concerned. They had a poor outing in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. After winning two out of three matches in the first round, they managed to reach the Super 12 round.

However, they went on to lose all five games in the Super 12 stage. Barring Shakib Al Hasan and M Naim, none of the players impressed a lot. Shakib Al Hasan won’t be available for the entire series due to injury. Tamim Iqbal also continues to recuperate from his injury, while Saifuddin also misses out due to injury.

Senior batsman, Mushfiqur Rahim has been rested for the series after his poor performances in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. Owing to bad performances with the bat, both Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar have been dropped from the side.

The likes of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Aminul Islam have been recalled to the squad. Also, the Under-19 World Cup-winning captain, Akbar Ali has received his maiden T20 call-up. Mahmudullah will continue to lead the team.