Pakistan vs Bangladesh
BAN vs PAK 1st Test 2021: First day shows hope for Bangladesh
The first of two matches Test series between Bangladesh and Pakistan started on Friday (November 26) at the ZACS in Chattogram. Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque chose to bat first and his side fared well after a poor start in the first innings. Yasir Ali has made his debut for Bangladesh, and he will play an important role on day two as the host aim for a big first-innings total. Liton Das's maiden Test century was the highlight of the day. Let's take a look at three crucial points from the first day of the BAN vs PAK 1st Test 2021.
Three Major Highlights of the first day of BAN vs PAK 1st Test 2021
Mushfiqur Rahim's tenacious batting approach
There is a classic saying that goes: you can't buy experience. A well-equipped player can read the match scenario and adjust his strategy accordingly. That is precisely what Mr dependable Mushfiqur Rahim has done in the first innings. Having lost four wickets for 49 runs in 17 overs, Bangladesh seemed down-and-out when he arrived at the crease. Pakistan were in command at the time, and Bangladesh appeared to be on the verge of being bowled out for less than 100 runs. However, Mushfiqur Rahim did what any seasoned player would do and slowed things down while partnering with Liton Das. They finished the first session with a score of 69/4.
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Both players started to open their arms in the second session. Liton was a little more aggressive than Mushfiqur. However, having senior cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim as a partner had helped him bat long on day 1 despite feeling cramped several times. Mushfiqur was constantly seen communicating with Liton, pushing him to bat for a long period of time. Liton may not have reached his maiden Test century if Mushfiq had been out early in his innings. Mushfiqur Rahim has remained unbeaten on 82* and his undefeated state is the best achievement of Bangladesh's campaign on the first day.
Liton Das's First Century in Tests
Liton Das's maiden Test century was a momentous occasion for him. More importantly, this century came at a critical moment in Bangladesh cricket. Liton was the last batter to come to the bat on day one after Najmul Hossain Shanto's departure.
BAN vs PAK 1st Test 2021: Can Bangladesh Fight Back?
Bangladesh defeated Zimbabwe in their last Test match in July 2021. However, their recent Test results have been underwhelming, with only two wins in the previous twelve games. On the other hand, Pakistan have been in good form in the longer-version format, winning five of their seven matches in 2021. In this context, a youthful Bangladesh team will have a significant challenge in the series. Let's take a look at the first match preview of the BAN vs PAK 1st Test 2021.
Bangladesh vs Pakistan: Head-to-head Test Record History
The ZACS in Chattogram will host the first match of the BAN vs PAK 1st Test 2021. The game will begin at 10 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). The series will feature a full-strength Pakistan team, while the BCB selectors have added some fresh names in the Bangladesh squad.
The sixth bilateral Test series (BAN vs PAK):
This is the sixth bilateral Test series between the two countries. Both sides have previously played five bilateral series, two of which were hosted by Pakistan and three by Bangladesh. Pakistan have won all of the series between these two teams.
Read Mahmudullah retires from Test: Remembering the silent killer’s dazzling match-winning centuries
Notable Test records between Bangladesh and Pakistan
The following are some of Bangladesh and Pakistan's most noteworthy Test records.
Significant Test Records: BAN vs PAK
Bangladesh
Pakistan
Matches Played (11)
0
10
Most Runs
Habibul Bashar (554 runs in 12 innings)
Mohammad Hafez (650 runs in 12 innings)
Highest Score
Tamim Iqbal (206)
Azhar Ali (226)
Most hundred
Shakib Al Hasan, Javed Omar, Tamim Iqbal, Habibul Bashar (1)
Younis Khan (3)
Most Wickets
Mohammad Rafique (17)
Danish Kaneria (34)
Best Bowling Figures
Shakib Al Hasan (6/82)
Danish Kaneria (7/77)
Most Matches
Habibul Bashar, Khaled Mashud (6)
Mohammad Hafez, Taufeeq Umar, Younis Khan (7)
Highest Partnership
Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes (312)
Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq (259)
Most Catches
Mahmudullah (7)
Younis Khan (8)
Most Dismissals
Khaled Mashud (9)
Rashid Latif (26)
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
BAN vs PAK 1st Test 2021: First Match Venue Stats
The first Test will be held at Chattogram's Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium from November 26 to 30.
1st Test Venue: ZACS, Chattogram
Test Matches Played: 20 | Bat-first (won): 8 | Bat-Second (won): 6 | Highest Individual Innings: 319 (Kumar Sangakkara) | Best Bowling Figure (Match): 13/154 (Nathan Lyon) | Highest Team Innings: 713/9d | Lowest Team Innings: 119
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Bangladesh’s Test record (ZACS): Win: 2 | Lost: 12 | Draw: 6
Pakistan’s Test record (ZACS): Win: 1 | Lost: 0 | Draw: 0
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
2021 BAN vs PAK 1st Test: Players to watch
Bangladesh
All of Bangladesh's senior players will be absent from this encounter, with the exception of Mushfiqur Rahim. The Test statistics of three Bangladeshi players who can make a difference in the match are shown here.
Mominul Haque: M: 45 | Runs: 3,349 | HS: 181 | Ave: 42.93
Mushfiqur Rahim: M: 75 | Runs: 4,696 | HS: 219* | Ave: 36.97
Taijul Islam: M: 33 | Wkts: 134 | BBM: 11/170 | Ave: 32.97
Read Tigers gear up in Chattogram for Pakistan Tests
Pakistan
The Pakistan team has a number of genuine match-winners. They will field a strong playing XI to make things tough for the hosts. The Test statistics for three Pakistani players who could have an impact in this match are given here.
Babar Azam: M: 35 | Runs: 2,362 | HS: 143 | Ave: 42.94
Fawad Alam: M: 13 | Runs: 895 | HS: 168 | Ave: 47.10
Hasan Ali: M: 15 | Wkts: 63 | BBM: 10/114 | Ave: 22.46
Bottom Line
Pakistan clearly have the upper hand in the head-to-head Contest against Bangladesh. Bangladesh have never beaten Pakistan in the Test format. In fact, they have only drawn one match against Pakistan and have lost 10. Therefore, expecting the team tigers to win or draw this match would be unrealistic. Bangladesh's best achievement would be to play till the fifth day. Because it will be tough for the Tigers to put up a dominant performance against a full-strength Pakistan side in the BAN vs PAK 1st Test 2021.
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How did Bangladesh perform in BAN vs PAK T20I Series 2021?
Bangladesh lost the bilateral series to Pakistan 3-0 after losing the third match by 5 wickets at the SBNCS in Mirpur on Monday (November 22). Bangladesh have now lost eight T20I matches in a row, and there are several issues to consider in order to improve T20 cricket. BCB handed some new players chances in this series, but most of them failed to deliver on the international stage, suggesting that success in the Twenty20 format requires a well-thought-out strategy. Let's take a look at the performance of the Bangladesh players in the BAN vs PAK T20I Series 2021.
Bangladesh Cricket Team's Performance in the BAN vs PAK T20I Series 2021
Bangladesh's top scorer in this series was Afif Hossain, while skipper Mahmudullah took the most wickets. Bangladesh's batting performance was the most disappointing part of the series, and as a result, they failed to win a single match.
Batting/Top order
Bangladesh's top order was inconsistent in the series. Opener Mohammad Naim scored 47 runs in the third match, although his innings was far from impressive. He stayed at the crease till the 19th over, playing 50 balls in the process. This type of approach isn't ideal in the shortest version of the game. Saif Hasan's footwork has been widely criticized, indicating that he is not a suitable T20 batter. Najmul Hossain Shanto had an excellent performance in the second match (40), but he struggled in the remaining two games. In a nutshell, Bangladesh's top order in this series was a complete failure.
Read: Bangladesh squad for first Test against Pakistan announced
Top three run-scorers (Bangladesh)
Player
Inn
Runs
HS
SR
Afif Hossain
3
76
36
100
Najmul Hossain Shanto
3
52
40
98.11
Mohammad Naim
3
50
47
81.96
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Batting/Middle-Order
Bangladesh faced a huge void in the middle-order due to the absence of two seasoned players, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan. Yasir Ali Rabbi was expected to be considered for playing XI, but he didn't receive a chance throughout the series. Afif Hossain, Mahmudullah Riyad, and Nurul Hasan were given responsibilities in the middle order. Only Afif showed some potential, but he has a tendency of getting out after a strong start. The gifted left-handed batter must improve his patience and technique. With the bat, Mahmudullah and Nurul had a quiet series.
The lower-middle order batsman, Mahedi Hasan played a solid innings in the first encounter but failed to deliver in the remaining two matches. Aminul Islam Biplob was unable to show his batting ability in the series. More importantly, the platform had been built for the power hitters in the last two matches, but they were unable to capitalize on it. Therefore, Bangladesh had to settle with modest totals against Pakistan, which were insufficient.
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Bowling/ Pace
Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed had excellent ball control. They both took two wickets and were among the most economical bowlers in the series. However, Bangladesh lost the opening match of the series as a result of them. Mustafiz, Taskin, and Shoriful all gave up a lot of runs in the last few overs of the first match, which they eventually lost. Mustafizur Rahman was unable to play in the third match due to an injury, and Shoriful was dropped. Shohidul Islam replaced Mustafiz in the last match and did a good job with the ball, although conceded a few runs. Overall, the pacers looked solid in the series.
Top three wicket-takers (Bangladesh)
Player
Match
Wickets
BBI
Econ
Mahmudullah
3
3
3/10
7.25
Mustafizur Rahman
2
2
1/12
6.16
Aminul Islam
3
2
1/26
7.44
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Bowling/ Spin
Aminul Islam Biplob was one of the most talked-about players in the series. In the first match, Captain Mahmudullah Riyad was hesitant to utilize him in the middle overs and was strongly criticized for bringing him in the last over. Aminul Islam was properly used in the following two matches and displayed that he is more than capable of picking up wickets. He has a bright future if BCB can properly nurture this leg-spinner. Mahedi Hasan took one wicket and was Bangladesh's most economical bowler in the series (4.91). Captain Mahmudullah Riyad took the most wickets with three, all of which came in the final over of the third match.
Read: BCB form committee to review Bangladesh’s T20 WC failure
Fielding
Bangladesh have improved its ground fielding. However, they also squandered some simple opportunities, lost catches, and were careless in their fielding at times. Fielding is sometimes dictated by the game's circumstances. Bangladesh's overall body language was underwhelming, which had an impact on their performance.
Way Forward
With the exception of a few individual performances, Bangladesh's overall performance in the BAN vs PAK T20I Series 2021 was utterly disappointing. Bangladesh's batting has to improve if they want to compete in the shortest version of the game. More significantly, BCB needs a well-thought-out strategy, particularly in terms of who should play in the Test format and who should be considered for the T20 format. Newcomers require time to establish themselves on the international stage. Bangladesh will not have any T20I series in the near future. They will play the Test and ODI series in New Zealand and South Africa respectively earlier next year.
Read 'Heartbreaking': Mahmudullah on Tigers' T20I blowout v Pakistan
BAN vs PAK T20I Series 2021: Five drawbacks Bangladesh need to fix to avoid Whitewash
Mahmudullah Riyad-led a young Bangladesh national men's cricket team will try to avoid a humiliating whitewash against Pakistan in front of a home crowd at the SBNCS, Mirpur on Monday (November 22). As per Bangladesh's recent performances, beating Pakistan even in their own backyards in the last match of the BAN vs PAK T20I series 2021 is a long way off. However, there is reason to be optimistic if the players execute their game plan effectively on the field. Let's take a look at what Bangladesh need to do to win the third match of the series.
Bangladesh's Focus Points for the third match
Some flaws in the current Bangladesh T20I team were uncovered in the first two matches of the BAN vs. PAK T20I Series 2021. The team management should properly address those issues before the third match. More importantly, players must respond by showing their abilities on the field. Here are five important areas where the Tigers must improve in the series finale.
A proper game plan
Did Bangladesh have a game plan in the first two matches? Even a fan with limited knowledge can see that the Bangladesh team did not get on the field with a well-thought-out strategy. The inexperienced top order's main goal was to survive as long as possible. Sadly, they were unsuccessful in both matches, with the exception of Najmul Hossain Shanto's 40-run knock in the second game.
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Bangladesh need a strategy, especially in batting. What should be the approach of the openers? Who is going to attack and who is going to defend? Who in the top order will be responsible for seeing the innings till the end? How many runs do they want to score in the power play? And keeping wickets in hand for the death overs.
These issues must be addressed before the third match. The captain and team management should encourage the players to put in a valiant effort in the hopes of securing a consolation victory. It wouldn't be a bad idea to switch two or three players in the playing XI if necessary.
Read: Pakistan players for Test series arrive in Dhaka
A solid opening partnership
This is the most pressing concern for Bangladesh's T20I team. No one seems to be ready to take on the position of the opener in the T20 format. Mohammad Naim has performed well in the absence of Tamim Iqbal, but he has yet to shine in this series.
Saif Hasan had no idea in the first two matches. Saif may be dropped, as Parvez Emon has been selected for the third match. Bangladesh will need a good foundation from the openers, whoever they are.
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Using death overs effectively
Bangladesh were in a solid position but couldn't capitalize in the final few overs in the second match. As a result, they were forced to settle for a low total to defend. Keeping wickets in hand for the final five overs is crucial.
The power hitters must unleash in the death overs for a challenging total. Captain Mahmudullah must play a critical role because he is the only experienced player in the group. He must bat deep and ensure that Bangladesh get the total they desire.
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Bowling with discipline
Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed have bowled well and taken wickets in this series. However, they gave up crucial runs in the first encounter, which proved to be extremely costly to the team. If Bangladesh bat first and post a respectable total, these two players must shoulder most of the responsibility for controlling run flows and providing breakthroughs.
Like them, Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam must be disciplined in terms of line and length. Is Aminul Islam Biplob going to play in the third game? He gave up some runs but also created a number of opportunities in the previous match. It's a crucial decision for team management to make.
Read: Cornered Tigers eye to avoid a whitewash vs Pakistan
Captaincy of the highest caliber
Mahmudullah Riyad was heavily criticized for not handing over the ball to Aminul Biplob in the middle overs of the first match. Biplob came in the action in the last over of the series-opener, and Pakistan's victory was all but certain at that point. Riyad utilized three part-time bowlers in the final three overs of the second match.
Mahmudullah doesn't appear to be enjoying his leadership, or he is not in the right frame of mind to lead this team. Mahmudullah Riyad must prepare his players for a gutsy effort in order to secure a consolation win in the series. Mahmudullah's decision-making at crucial moments would be better if the players remained rejuvenated.
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Way Forward
Playing the Pakistan series is a fantastic learning experience for the young Bangladesh players. They may use this lesson to improve their T20 skill development, which will help them in future international series. Those who can learn fast and consistently deliver are the only ones who will be able to survive on the international stage for a longer period of time.
The Bangladesh team should go out on Monday looking for a consolation victory. Otherwise, the BCB would be under a lot of pressure because a certain portion of Bangladesh supporters has waved Pakistan flags in the BAN vs PAK T20I Series 2021 just to show their anger with the Cricket Board.
Read Cornered Tigers eye to avoid a whitewash vs Pakistan
Mahmudullah has few answers as Tigers’ rut continues
Bangladesh T20I captain Mahmudullah Riyad was left singing the same old tune of a top order batting failure, a running feature of the seemingly endless run of disappointing results that the team is on, after their second defeat in two days against Pakistan in Mirpur, handing the 3-match series to the tourists.
On Saturday, Bangladesh endured defeat by eight wickets at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. And after the match, Mahmudullah said it was their batting that failed them once again. It was Bangladesh’s seventh consecutive T20I defeat, going back to the start of the Super-12s phase in the recently concluded T20 World Cup.
In these seven matches, Bangladesh with the bat managed totals of: 171/4, 124/9, 139/5, 84, 73, 127/7 and 108/7.
Read: Pakistan wrap up series beating Bangladesh by eight wickets
“I think we started off quite well today. Afif (Hossain) and (Najmul Hossain) Shanto batted really well in the middle. I and Shanto were trying to get a partnership but we couldn't capitalise on the end overs,” Mahmudullah said after the match.
“For a team like us, we need a set batter to be there at the end, but it didn't happen today.”
Like most days, these days, he could have said. With the 84 against South Africa in the World Cup, Bangladesh became the first ICC full-member side to be bowled out for under 100 thrice in a calendar year. In the next game against Australia, they extended this dubious record with a fourth sub-100 total in 2021.
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Riyad was left flummoxed by a question regarding the team’s catching ability, after the team dropped two more easy catches today, continuing another trend from the World Cup of missing regulation catches.
“Boys are putting a lot of effort into the catching during practice but unfortunately, we're missing out on chances (during the game),” he said, very keen to put across that the team is catching everything in practice sessions, without all the pressure of an international fixture.
In the end, clutching at straws for positives, the hapless skipper was left only with a defensive bowling performance on the day that supposedly prevented Pakistan from blowing their small target away. But truth be told, they never needed to.
“The bowling unit has been outstanding over the last six months, whether it is the pace or spin. It's the batting unit that has to come up with the goods,” he added.
‘Outstanding’ might be stretching it a bit. But if it can shame his batsmen into getting some runs on the board that bowlers can play with, its use may just be pardoned.
The third and final T20I of the series will take place on November 22 at the same venue. After the T20I series, the teams will compete in a two-match Test series.
Pakistan wrap up series beating Bangladesh by eight wickets
With one match to play, Pakistan have wrapped up the three-match T20I series against hosts Bangladesh, who continued on a poor run, on Saturday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first, but once again they failed to post a challenging total.
In reply to Bangladesh’s 108, Fakhar Zaman hit his seventh T20I fifty to guide Pakistan to their second consecutive win in this series. The third and final T20I of the contest will take place on Monday at the same venue.
Mustafizur Rahman removed Babar Azam in the third over of the innings, but that was the last time when Bangladesh showed some resistance against Pakistan who came to Bangladesh after losing the semifinal to Australia.
Pakistan ended up on 109 for two in 18.2 overs with Fakhar remaining unbeaten for 57 off 51 with two four and three sixes.
Read: Mahmudullah blames top-order batting after defeat to Pakistan
Fakhar was dropped by Saif Hassan at the deep when he was at 26 off 26 balls. The batter skied the ball high, Saif got enough time to take a good position but he failed to grab the ball.
Earlier, Shaheen Afridi, who was rested in the previous match, got two wickets, and Shadab Khan also scalped two. Riding on their quality bowling display, Pakistan restrict Bangladesh for 108 for seven in 20 overs.
Saif Hassan, the right-handed opener, who got his maiden T20I cap in the first match, failed again to shine. He suffered a golden duck this time.
The other opener, Mohammad Naim, amassed two runs playing eight balls. He looked uncomfortable from the beginning of the innings, and eventually fell prey to Mohammad Wasim.
In the third wicket stand, Afif Hossain and Najmul Hossain Shanto added 46. Afif looked to live on a good rhythm but he failed to carry on as he was dismissed playing a loose shot off Shadab Khan. With a four and a six, Afif added 20 off 20 balls.
Najmul ended up on 40 off 34 balls before falling prey to Shadab. Mahmudullah and Nurul Hasan continued on bad patches as they posted 12 and 11 this time.
Pakistan won the first match of the series, and another win would wrap the series for them.
Read: Pakistan beat Bangladesh in low-scoring first T20I
When Pakistan wrapped up the series, the most memorable point of this match was a fan who invaded the field from the northern stand of the gallery. He was haunted by some groundsmen without any luck.
The incident took place after the 13th over of Pakistan’s innings. The fan ran directly to Bangladesh cricketers and bowed down to Mustafizur. However, the security men came quickly to drag him away.
This is not the first time when fans invaded the field in Mirpur. Earlier, in 2016, a fan invaded the field to reach Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, the then Bangladesh captain.
BAN vs PAK T20I Series 2021: Turning Points of the First Match
Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by four wickets in the first of three Twenty-20 international matches yesterday (November 19) at the Sher-e-Bangladesh national cricket stadium. Pakistani players appeared anxious at times, and they were at risk of losing the match against a new-look Bangladesh side. However, two guided partnerships helped Pakistan win the match in the final over. On the other hand, Bangladesh fought hard till the end but they were unable to defend a low total. Let's take a look at the turning points of the first match of BAN vs. PAK T20I Series 2021.
The First Match of the BAN vs PAK T20I Series 2021: Turning Points
Bangladesh batted first and scored 127 for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Pakistan responded by reaching the winning target with four balls to spare. Pakistan won the match by 4 wickets. Here are some of the match's critical moments.
Afif Hossain's falls in the thirteenth over
Saif Hasan made his T20I debut for Bangladesh in this match, opening the innings with Mohammad Naim. Both failed to score, as did Najmul Hossain Shanto, who batted at number three. The host lost three wickets for only 15 runs inside the power play. Pakistan's bowlers were on top at that point and Bangladesh's batters looked sluggish in front of the opponent's bowling attack.
However, one batter in particular had shown promise and courage in the innings. Afif Hossain rotated the strike in the middle after arriving at the crease to keep the momentum going. He even went after spinner Mohammad Nawaz for two sixes in the 11th over, a counter-attacking move after losing captain one over earlier.
READ: Mahmudullah blames top-order batting after defeat to Pakistan
Afif attempted one shot too many and paid the price for misreading Mohammad Shadab's excellent googly delivery. Bangladesh would have scored close to 150 runs if he had stayed at the crease till the end of the innings, which could be enough to defend. Therefore, dropping the well-set Afif Hossain was a significant turning point in the match.
Shoaib Malik's run out by Nurul Hasan in the sixth over
The pair of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam started the chase well. But Mustafizur and Taskin upset Pakistan's top-order within the power play. They were 23/3 at the end of five overs. Pakistan's most seasoned batsman Shoaib Malik joined Fakhar Zaman at the crease.
However, he just lasted one over before being run out in the sixth over by Nurul Hasan. Shoaib made a lazy effort, he moved casually to the popping crease after playing Mustafiz's final ball of the over. Nurul Hasan responded quickly and sent the ball to the stumps. According to the TV replay, Malik was just a centimeter shot when the ball hit the stump. Nurul Hasan made a fantastic effort, and Pakistan were down to 4/24 at the time. Bangladesh were in complete control of the contest at that stage.
Bangladesh's 18th over by Mustafizur Rahman
Pakistan needed 32 runs in 18 balls with four wickets in hand. Bangladesh were in a better position than Pakistan in that critical stage. Captain Mahmudullah Riyad handed the ball to his most experienced bowler Mustafizur Rahman with the hope of a tight over. It was Mustafizur's last over but he did not live up to his captain's expectations. He gave up 15 runs in that over, making Pakistan's chase a lot easier.
Pakistan added 15 runs in the following over by left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam. Eventually, Shadab Khan secured the victory with a huge six at deep midwicket in the second ball of the 20th over. So, Mustafizur's final over was one of the match's crucial moments.
READ: Pakistan beat Bangladesh in low-scoring first T20I
Way Forward
As the turning points show, the host made some mistakes in the opening match of the BAN vs PAK T20I series 2021, which is why they lost the match. However, this match showed that beating Bangladesh on the Sher-e-Bangla stadium pitches is a difficult task. Bangladesh players have a clear knowledge of the nature of the surfaces and can defend a decent total on this ground. Pakistan's lower middle order came to the rescue, otherwise, Bangladesh would have won the first match. Team Tigers must rectify their errors in the second match in order to make a comeback in the series.
BAN vs PAK Series 2021: Spectators set to return to the stadium in the Pakistan Series
The Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Mirpur will be open to the public to enjoy the Bangladesh vs. Pakistan series 2021, starting November 19 (Friday). Spectators have been barred from entering the stadium since the worldwide coronavirus outbreak in March of last year. The last time the home of cricket was full was during the Bangladesh vs. Zimbabwe series in March 2020. That is to say, after 20 months of waiting, the BCB has decided to open the stadium gates for spectators to watch live cricket matches and support the Bangladesh national cricket team. Let's have a look at the details of ticket pricing.
BAN vs. PAK Series 2021: Ticket prices in detail
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has agreed to open the Stadium gallery for the BAN vs. PAK Series 2021, allowing supporters to watch the game on the ground. Though BCB will only let vaccinated people inside the stadium, and the tickets of just half of the stadium's capacity will be available.
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Tickets will be on sale from November 18. Fans can purchase tickets at dedicated counters at Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If tickets are available, they can be purchased at the SBNCS authorized counters on the day of the match. However, tickets cannot be purchased through banks or online at this time.
The BCB is not raising ticket prices because fans will be able to watch the game on the field for the first time in a long time. Tickets for the series between Bangladesh and Pakistan will be available at the desired price. The ticket costs 100 taka at the lowest price and 1000 taka at the most expensive.
Read One eye on future: Bangladesh add Akbar, Saif, Yasir to T20 squad against Pakistan
The following are the ticket prices:
Category
Price
Grand Stand
1000 taka
VIP Stand
500 taka
Club House
300 taka
Southern/Northern Stands
150 taka
Eastern Stand
100 taka
Source: http://www.tigercricket.com.bd/
Complete Fixtures of Bangladesh-Pakistan Series 2021
Pakistan cricket team is making its first visit to Bangladesh in six years. Pakistan arrived in Dhaka after finishing their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign in the United Arab Emirates. The visitors will play the host Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series and a two-match Test series. The Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Mirpur will host all twenty20 matches. The first Test will be held in Chattogram's Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, while the second match will be held at the SBNCS, Dhaka.
Read: Cricket returns to Bangladeshi fans: Tickets go on sale on Thursday
Here is the full fixtures
Date
Fixtures
Time (BST)
November 19
1st T20I
2 pm
November 20
2nd T20I
2 pm
November 22
3rd T20I
2 pm
November 26-30
1st Test
10 am
December 4-8
2nd Test
10 am
Source: http://www.tigercricket.com.bd/fixtures/
Bottom Line
Opening the stadium for Bangladesh's passionate cricket fans is a good decision since the prevalence of coronavirus has dropped in recent months. However, BCB must be careful and stringent in order to safeguard spectator health procedures. It might be dangerous for the fans if this does not happen. The national cricket team of Bangladesh will get a lot of confidence by playing in front of their supporters. Because Bangladesh had a poor T20 World Cup campaign and they will be facing a quality Pakistan team in this series. Therefore, team Tigers need support in order to deliver their all on the field against a strong opponent.
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Bangladesh vs. Pakistan Series 2021: T20I Ranking Prediction
Bangladesh are placed eighth in the ICC T20I rankings at the end of the T20 World Cup 2021. Bangladesh will compete in the Super 12 Round of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia after confirming the top eight in the team rankings. Team Tigers can further improve their ranking during the forthcoming home series against Pakistan. They will play three matches in the bilateral competition, with the results impacting the rating points. Let's take a look at how Bangladesh might improve its T20 ranking.
Read: BAN vs. PAK 2021: Six new faces likely for the Pakistan T20I series
Probable Ranking Scenarios at the end of Bangladesh vs. Pakistan Series 2021
According to the latest update on November 12, England are currently placed first in the ICC T20I team rankings.
India are still in the second position despite being eliminated from the Super 12 Round of the T20 World Cup, while Pakistan have moved up to third place by reaching the World Cup semifinals.
Twenty20 World Cup 2021 runner-up New Zealand are fourth, followed by South Africa and the reigning champions, Australia. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies are ranked seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth, respectively.
If Bangladesh whitewash (3-0) Pakistan, they will rise to seventh place with 238 rating points. If team Tigers win the series by a 2-1 margin, they will climb up to the seventh place with 236 points. Bangladesh can still enhance their rankings and rating points even if they lose the bilateral contest 2-1.
Read:Rizwan reveals secrets of Pakistan’s strength in T20 WC
On the other side, Pakistan will drop 5 rating points if they lose the series 3-0. If Pakistan lose the series 2-1, they will drop three rating points. Pakistan will lose one rating point if Bangladesh lose the series 2-1. However, Pakistan will move up to second place if they sweep Bangladesh and India lose their series to New Zealand 2-1.
Ranking scenarios for other top teams in November
England will remain the top-ranked T20I team at the end of November. On the other hand, India will stay in second place if they win their next 3-match T20I series against New Zealand.
New Zealand have a chance to climb to second place in the ICC T20I team rankings If they whitewash India and Pakistan lose their series against Bangladesh. New Zealand may still finish third in the rankings if Pakistan lose all three matches against Bangladesh.
Apart from these two T20I series, there will be no other bilateral series in November. The present positions of South Africa and Australia will remain unchanged. On the other side, Afghanistan might drop to eighth place depending on Bangladesh's outcome against the Pakistan side.
Sri Lanka might climb up to eighth place if Bangladesh lose all three matches against Pakistan. The West Indies will maintain their present standing.
Read:Taskin eyes a Tigers’ fresh start in series vs Pakistan
T20I Team Rankings (as of November 12)
Position
Team
Ratings
1
England
278
2
India
264
3
Pakistan
263
4
New Zealand
258
5
South Africa
253
6
Australia
246
7
Afghanistan
232
8
Bangladesh
232
9
Sri Lanka
232
10
West Indies
226
Source: https://www.icc-cricket.com/rankings/mens/team-rankings/t20i
Verdict
Bangladesh's main goal in the competition would be to overcome Pakistan. It will be a brilliant result if Bangladesh win the series against Pakistan, who had a fantastic performance in the T20 World Cup 2021. This series will feature a new-look Bangladesh Twenty20 squad. Therefore, fans should have lower expectations of the Bangladesh team.
Read Women’s ODI: Bangladesh whitewash Zimbabwe 3-0
BAN vs. PAK 2021: Six new faces likely for the Pakistan T20I series
Senior players must step aside at some point to allow the new generation to take their spot. Bangladesh's senior cricketers will most likely retire in the near future. Therefore, Bangladesh Cricket Board has planned to incorporate some fresh new faces in the national team set up following a terrible performance in the just ended T20 World Cup 2021. According to reports, six players would be rested or unavailable due to injuries for the upcoming BAN vs. PAK 2021 contest. Let's take a look at Bangladesh's potential playing XI for the T20I series.
Bangladesh's Prospective T20I playing XI for the Pakistan series
According to various reports, Shakib Al Hasan (hamstring injury), Mohammad Saifuddin (back injury), Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, and Rubel Hossain are the six players who are expected to miss the Pakistan T20I series. Neither of these players has been spotted practicing in Mirpur. The selectors may choose six or seven players in their replacement. Parvez Hossain Emon, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Yasir Ali, Saif Hasan, Tanvir Islam, Aminul Islam Biplob, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, and Shohidul Islam are among the likely candidates for a place in the Twenty20 squad.
Read: Pakistani cricket team arrives in Dhaka
Probable Bangladesh’s Playing XI (for the first T20I)
Batting/Top Order
Parvez Hossain Emon
T20: 24 | Runs: 563 | HS: 100* | SR: 123.73
Parvez Hossain is a gifted cricketer who was a part of the U19 World Cup 2020 winning team. Parvez is now Bangladesh's fastest T20 centurion.
Mohammad Naim
T20: 74 | Runs: 1828 | HS: 105 | SR: 113.39
Mohammad Naim was the highest scorer for Bangladesh in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. He will most likely play the anchor role in the forthcoming BAN vs. PAK 2021 series.
Najmul Hossain Shanto
T20: 78 | Runs: 1584 | HS: 115* | SR: 128.99
Read: Four Nations Football: Hosts Sri Lanka stand between Bangladesh and final
Najmul Hossain will most likely play at number 3 in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan. Najmul has shown promise in Test cricket, but his white-ball career on the international stage has been far from good.
Batting/Middle Orders
Mahmudullah Riyad
T20: 260 | Runs: 4,820 | HS: 70* | SR: 119.27 | Wkts: 123 | BBI: 3/6 | Econ: 7.02
Mahmudullah Riyad had a difficult time as captain in the T20 World Cup. He made several mistakes when it came to making decisions. Riyad needs to bounce back both as a captain and as a batter.
Afif Hossain
T20: 106 | Runs: 1719 | HS: 76 | SR: 126.58 | Wkts: 28 | BBI: 5/21 | Econ: 8.73
Afif Hossain could be promoted to the top of the order. He would have to shoulder extra responsibilities in the absence of Mushfiqur Rahim.
Shamim Hossain
T20: 39 | Runs: 538 | HS: 52* | SR: 139.37
U19 World Cup winner Shamim Hossain is a hard-hitting batter. He has the potential to be a vital player in the death overs.
Read Women’s ODI: Bangladesh whitewash Zimbabwe 3-0
Nurul Hasan
T20: 132 | Runs: 1807 | HS: 79* | SR: 128.61
Nurul Hasan is Bangladesh's best wicketkeeper, and he will play in the next T20I series against Pakistan.
Mahedi Hasan
T20: 91 | Runs: 1017 | HS: 92 | SR: 126.65 | Wkts: 81 | BBI: 4/22 | Econ: 6.99
Mahedi Hasan played fairly well with the ball in the T20 World Cup, but he struggled with the bat. Mahedi's off-spin could be very useful in the series against Pakistan.
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Bowling
Taskin Ahmed
T20: 100 | Wkts: 112 | BBI: 5/31 | Econ: 8.31
Taskin Ahmed has been exceptional with the ball since returning to international cricket earlier this year. He was Bangladesh's most impressive bowler during the T20 World Cup 2021.
Mustafizur Rahman
T20: 167 | Wkts: 219 | BBI: 5/22 | Econ: 7.31
Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman was a complete disappointment at the World Cup due to the unfavorable UAE conditions. However, he will be an effective bowler in this condition at home.
Nasum Ahmed
T20: 60 | Wkts: 50 | BBI: 4/10 | Econ: 6.50
Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed could be Mahmudullah's best weapon in this series. He will lead Bangladesh's spin attack in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan.
Read Rizwan reveals secrets of Pakistan’s strength in T20 WC
Bottom Line
There is no shortage of talented cricketers in Bangladesh. A significant number of high-quality cricketers will develop in the future if properly nurtured. Some of the players that won the U19 World Cup 2020 will be given the opportunity to exhibit their abilities in the upcoming BAN vs. PAK T20I series. Many cricket analysts think that if these players are properly groomed, they would take Bangladesh cricket to the next level.
Read Taskin eyes a Tigers’ fresh start in series vs Pakistan