Bangladesh opt to bowl first against Pakistan

Bangladesh captain Zakir Ali won the toss and elected to bowl in the do-or-die Asia Cup clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium.

Despite the high stakes—victory ensuring a spot in the final against India, while defeat means elimination—regular skipper Litton Das remains sidelined with injury.

Taskin Ahmed returns to the XI after being rested against India, a move seen as strategic with Pakistan in mind. Sheikh Mahedi also bolsters the spin attack, while Nurul Hasan comes in. Dropped from the side are opener Tanzid Tamim, spinner Nasum Ahmed, and pacer Saifuddin. Pakistan have named an unchanged lineup.

India have already secured their place in the final, while Sri Lanka are out of contention after two losses. With both Bangladesh and Pakistan having beaten Sri Lanka, today’s contest serves as a virtual semifinal.

Bangladesh XI: Saif Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Zakir Ali, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Sheikh Mahedi, Tanzim Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.