World Cup 2019: Pak-Bangladesh warm-up game abandoned as rain plays spoilsport

By
Web Desk
|

CARDIFF: The World Cup warm-up match between Pakistan and Bangladesh at Sophia Gardens on Saturday was called off without a ball being bowled due to rain.

Bangladesh play one more warm-up game against India on Tuesday while Pakistan have no more warm-up matches to play, kicking off their 2019 World Cup campaign against West Indies on Friday at Trent Bridge.

Pakistan, however, had lost their first warm-up match Friday to Afghanistan by three wickets in Bristol, whereas Bangladesh come into the game after winning the Tri-Nation one-day series in Ireland beating West Indies in the final.

Despite having a 31-5 lead, Pakistan has been unable to beat Bangladesh in the 50-overs format since March 2014 and lost the past four matches.

Pakistan's bowling remains a concern, with none of the bowlers making a mark in the game against Afghanistan apart from Wahab Riaz whose late burst was the only positive for the men in green.

Babar Azam was the star for Pakistan scoring 112 off 108 and Shoaib Malik chipped in with a 59 ball 44.

On the other hand, Bangladesh’s top-order consisting of Soumya Sarkar, Tamim Iqbal, and Mushfiqur Rahim has been in top form. The Tigers will also be banking on the experience of Shakib al Hasan, who is currently the world’s number one all-rounder in the middle-order.

Squads

Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain/wicketkeeper), Asif Ali, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz

Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (captain), Abu Jayed, Liton Das (wicketkeeper), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Mithun (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Saifuddin, Mosaddek Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper), Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Tamim Iqbal