 With six series wins this year, Pakistan will be hoping to make the latest one
a clean-sweep as well, to mark their third this year. For Bangladesh to
avoid the fate that Pakistan meted out to Ireland and Zimbabwe is an uphill task,
and only a miracle can save them from the ignominy now. The two sides meet in
Chittagong on Tuesday for the inconsequential final ODI.
Pakistan have dominated the home side in all departments of the game. While their
batting has remained a worry since quite a while, their bowlers have managed such
a stranglehold around the opposition that runs-scoring has been difficult.
Click for Live Score Card of Bangladesh Vs Pakistan
Although the batsmen did put up a creditable 262 on Saturday, thanks to Umar Akmal's half-century and Shahid Afridi's whirlwind knock, the batting order
would be hoping to put up an improved show to bring some stability and consistency
in performances. The bowlers continue to do their job well, and Umar Gul
was good to be back amongst the wickets.
Shahid Afridi could cap the year on a high note, needing five sixes to reach
the 300 sixes mark. In addition, four scalps with the ball will ensure he ends
as the highest wicket-taker in ODIs this year. He has been the standout performer
for Pakistan and it has been a proper slap to those who have been his
critics on the field of play.
Bangladesh have found no answers to Pakistan's surprise opening bowler - Mohammed Hafeez.
Losing four wickets early yet again, Bangladesh never were in hunt of Pakistan's
total. Nasir Hossain did score a promising ton in only his 9th ODI, but
overall the team needs to bear a more aggressive outlook to stun Pakistan in
a match where they have nothing to lose. The ability to maneuver Pakistani spinners
for runs will again be a big question mark for the Bangladesh think tank.
The home side has won its last four matches at the ground, including against England
and West Indies. However, they will need much more than this statistical fortune
to upset Pakistan's momentum who look favorites to end the year on a high.
Bangladesh need to bat much better than before to have a chance of making it to
the wins' board.
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