Pakistan's battle for survival in the tournament against demoralized Bangladesh  

Betting Odds

Our Predictions 

• Babar Azam has odds of 3.32 to be the best batsman for Pakistan.  
• Shakib al Hasan has odds of 4.27 to be Bangladesh's best batsman. 
• Shaheen Afridi has odds of 3.48 to be Pakistan's best bowler.  
• Shoriful Islam has odds of 4.63 to be the best bowler for Bangladesh.  

MATCH PREVIEW     

We are into the 31st game in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Pakistan, who have lost the last four games, will battle against demoralized Bangladesh. The Pakistanis suffered a heartbreaking loss against South Africa, where their bowlers nearly pulled off a great win. According to betting sites, Pakistan has fallen in the charts, and they must produce an exceptional performance in this game to reach the next round. Bangladesh comes here with a major upset against the Netherlands. They have won only once in the tournament and shall look to win this game and restore their pride. With both sides under pressure, it will be an exciting contest.  

Pakistan Preview     

Babar Azam's team has its hopes swinging in a balance now. The 1-wicket loss against South Africa in the last game has dented their hopes of reaching the semifinal. Though the side performed its best in the previous game, they lost the battle of nerves. They must win this game by a significant margin and some luck to reach the knockout stage. Babar Azam must lead from the front and take his side to a win here.  

The side will need a good start in this game from Abdullah Shafique and Fakhar Zaman, who will likely replace Imam-ul-Haq. Babar Azam must show the way for other players and do well in the middle order with Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel. The lower middle order did well against South Africa, and the side needs runs from Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz in this game.  

The bowling attack hasn't been at its best in the tournament. The side will look for a good show with the new ball from Shaheen Afridi and Iftikhar Ahmed in this game. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz must use the conditions and trouble the Bangladeshi middle order in this game. Haris Rauf hasn't found his form in the tournament and must deliver the goods for the side to win.   

Expected Starting XI for Pakistan     

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf 

Bangladesh Preview     

Shakib al Hasan's team made a mess of the run chase against the Netherlands. They went down by 87 runs, getting bowled out for 142 runs. The odds are down for the team and out of contention for the semifinals. The side must put the five consecutive losses behind them and focus on the basics. Their opponents are also struggling, and Shakib will aim to use this opportunity to restore lost pride with a win.    

Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan have been getting out early, and the side will need a good show from them at the top. The middle order hasn't lived up to its reputation, and the experienced trio of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib, and Najmul Hossain Shanto must deliver the goods in this game. Mahmudullah has batted well in the lower middle order and must add uns with Mahedi Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim.  

Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam have bowled well with the new ball, and the side will look to make it count with the new ball. Mustafizur Rahman must use his cutters well in the middle overs, as the Pakistanis have struggled with the bat. Shakib, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Mahedi Hasan must use the conditions well in this game for the side to win.  

Expected Starting XI for Bangladesh     

Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman 

TOSS: To Bat First      

The ball moves a lot in the second half under lights, and chasing scores can be difficult at this venue. We have seen more sides win at this venue, batting first. The side winning the toss won't hesitate to bat first.  

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

Kolkata would see clear skies during this game. There will be some assistance for the bowlers in the early overs. However, we expect the wicket to be flat and good to bat, where batsmen can play their strokes. The side batting first would look to have 300 runs on the board to defend it successfully. 

OUR PREDICTION      

Both teams come into this game with their backs against the wall. The Bangladeshi batting is in poor shape, and they have to trust their skills and execute their plans to do well in this game and win. Pakistan showed some sparks in the last game, and they have a stronger batting line-up and a good record against Bangladesh. We expect a close contest, but the Pakistanis have a slight edge.   

Our Prediction is for Pakistan to win