Bangladesh and Pakistan have had a tough start to their 2024 Twenty20 (T20) World Cup campaign, both losing their first of two warm-up matches. Eager to secure a win and build momentum, the two teams will face off on the 30th of September 2024, at ICC Academy Ground 2, Dubai, at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Bangladesh – Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha Biswas
Pakistan – Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan
Players to watch out:
Dilara Akter
The 20-year-old keeper-batter has posted 183 runs from 15 T20I innings, registering the highest score of 39. Dilara has put together a string of notable performances this year, with scores of 39 and 21 against India, and 17 and 33 against Thailand and Malaysia, respectively, in their Asia Cup campaign. Although she departed for 8 in the first warm-up match, she should be backed to convert her starts.
Ritu Moni
The 31-year-old all-rounder has accumulated 455 runs from 56 T20I innings and claimed 24 wickets from 41 innings, with best of 39* and 4/18. Ritu hasn’t been consistent with the bat of late; however, her previous five bowling returns, including the first warm-up match, read 1/10, 0/21, 2/10, 1/2, and 1/18. It is hoped she steps up with improved all-round efforts.
Iram Javed
The 33-year-old middle-order batter has added 399 runs to the tally from 48 T20I innings, including the highest score of 55. Iram is a promising talent who can be relied upon to anchor the innings, but importantly, she can also accelerate. Iram has managed a few runs of late, scoring 12 runs in the first warm-up match while batting lower down the order, and could be promoted a little higher up the order.
Diana Baig
The 28-year-old pacer has claimed 38 wickets from 52 T20I innings, including the best of 3/26, while maintaining an economy rate of 6.05. Diana hasn’t had a consistent run in international cricket of late; however, she claimed 4 wickets from 2 T20Is against England. Although she finished wicketless in her previous 3 T20s, she can be relied upon to find her rhythm and spearhead the pace attack.
Pitch:
The 22 yards at the ICC Academy Ground 2 provide a somewhat neutral playing field, as the conditions are advantageous to both batters and bowlers. Pacers, in particular, benefit from the conditions, and a score in the 150s can be deemed a competitive total on this wicket.
Weather:
The temperature is forecasted to hover around 34°C, with humidity at 49% and moderate winds. With clear skies and a minimal chance of rain in Dubai, we should have a complete game.
Fantasy playing XI:
Muneeba Ali, Nigar Sultana Joty, Murshida Khatun, Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Nida Dar, Fatima Sana, Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Sadia Iqbal
Match details:
Date – September 30, 2024
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – ICC Academy Ground 2, Dubai
Broadcast – Access live scores on the ICC match portal.
