T20WC: Bangladesh win Toss, chose to bat first against Pakistan

ADELAIDE: Bangladesh have won the toss and Captain Shakib Al Hasan has chosen to bat first as both sides now stand a chance to go through to the semis after South Africa’s stunning loss to the Netherlands.

After today’s upset in the match between Netherlands and South Africa, Rohit Sharma-led Team India has qualified for the semi-final stage of the T20 World Cup while Pakistan vs Bangladesh has now effectively become a quarter-final. The second semi-finalist from Group 2 will be decided on the result between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Winner of this match will “most probably” face New Zealand in the Semi Final in Sydney.

Pakistan’s net run rate is higher than South Africa’s now and this means that if no result is possible in this match, Pakistan will go through on NRR.

After the toss, Babar Azam said “wins always give you confidence. In the previous match, Harris set the momentum, then Iftikhar and Shadab finished it off [against South Africa]. We are looking forward to this match. We have the same team.” 

Experts say Netherlands now want a return favour from Pakistan. If Pakistan and India win their games today, Netherlands will finish in Top 4 and get the direct entry in T20 World Cup 2024.

Pakistan Playing 11 as follows: Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi