Following their most recent face-off in the Asian Games Bronze medal match, hosts Bangladesh and Pakistan will now go head-to-head in a 3-match Twenty20 International series followed by as many One-Day Internationals. The series opener is slated for the 25th of October, 2023, at 4:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram.
Squads:
Bangladesh – Niger Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter (VC), Shamima Sultana, Murshida Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Shorifa Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Nishita Akter Nishi, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Shathi Rani
Pakistan – Nida Dar (C), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Ghulam Fatima, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (WK), Najiha Alvi (WK), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar
Players to watch out:
Niger Sultana Joty
The 26-year-old keeper-batter, in 77 T20I outings, with an average of 25.06, has amassed 1529 runs, including the highest of 113*. Niger is one of the best batters on the side, and her runs have more often than not made the difference in the team’s game results. Joty has struggled to convert her starts lately; however, she has chipped in with valuable runs and will be trusted to deliver for the side.
Marufa Akter
The 18-year-old pacer rose to fame following a stellar series against India and will now have the opportunity to prove herself against Pakistan. Marufa, in 11 T20Is, has bagged as many wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 6.17. It is expected of her to capitalize on the start she’s had to her international career and continue spearheading Bangladesh’s bowling unit.
Aliya Riaz
The 31-year-old all-rounder, in T20Is, in 64 outings, has accumulated 864 runs while also scalping 17 wickets from 30 bowling innings, including respective bests of 57* and 2/16. Aliya has matured in her role of finishing games consistently, especially over the past few months. It’ll be worth watching if she can manage to provide Pakistan with strong finishes on the low-slow tracks, while she can be banked on to excel with the ball.
Sadia Iqbal
The 28-year-old left-arm spinner, in 22 T20Is, has picked up 23 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 5.51. The spin-friendly tracks in Bangladesh will suit Sadia Iqbal, and she’ll be expected to make the most of the conditions on offer with her crafty spin and deliver a few match-winning spells this tour.
Pitch:
The 22 yards at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram, heavily favors the spinners, creating ideal conditions for bowling, as evident from a modest average score. However, batters with good shot selection can still score runs effectively.
Weather:
With showers forecasted throughout the match duration, there is a possibility of rain playing spoilsport and potentially resulting in a washout. The temperature is expected to hover around 27°C, with light winds and a humidity level of 88%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Niger Sultana Joty, Muneeba Ali, Bismah Maroof, Sidra Amin, Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Sadia Iqbal, Marufa Akter, Nashra Sundhu
Match details:
Date – October 25, 2023
Time – 4:00 PM IST
Venue – Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
Broadcast – T.B.C.
