Bangladesh to face Pakistan in 1st T20 today

Bangladesh are determined to continue their winning momentum as they take on Pakistan in the opening game of the three-match T20 series today at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

The match will begin at 6:00pm.

Bangladesh, often dubbed a vulnerable side in the T20 format, gained confidence from their maiden series victory over Sri Lanka just a few days ago.

"We are keen to continue our winning momentum, gained from the Sri Lanka victory," Bangladesh captain Liton Das said ahead of the match.

"Hopefully, we can put up a disciplined performance in all three departments."

In Sri Lanka, Bangladesh lost the two-match Test series 1-0 and the three-match ODI series 2-1. They also lost the first T20 but then rediscovered their rhythm and won the last two matches in a row to clinch the series 2-1.

Bangladesh played calculated cricket in those two matches, living up to expectations by playing their 'Bangladesh brand' of cricket. However, Pakistan are a completely different side, against whom Bangladesh have had limited success.

Pakistan are one of two teams-along with India-against whom Bangladesh have a very poor success ratio despite playing more than 10 T20s. They played 22 matches against Pakistan and won just three, losing 19. Against India, they have won only one out of 17 matches.

Recently, Pakistan swept a three-match T20 series in Lahore, displaying complete dominance in all departments. This home series is, therefore, a kind of revenge mission for Bangladesh, who have shown notable improvement in the batting department-traditionally their weakest link.

Bangladesh have two genuine power-hitters in openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain, who showcased their potential in recent series. But the Pakistan series will be their acid test, given the quality of Pakistan's bowling lineup.

As expected, Bangladesh retained the same T20 squad that was announced for the Sri Lanka series. There were no changes, and Bangladesh might go with the same playing XI that won the last two matches.

Although Shadab Khan's absence could affect Pakistan's balance, they have all-rounders like Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf, who are regulars in Bangladesh's domestic cricket.

In fact, nine players from Pakistan's current squad have recent local experience, having played in the BPL in the last couple of seasons. Khushdil has played 12 matches in Mirpur-the most among Pakistan players-while Mohammad Haris, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, and Abbas Afridi have also featured in the competition.

Bangladesh: Liton Das (capt), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mohammad Saifuddin.

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Sufyan Moqim.