Cricket Scorecard

Back with the chase! The players of Pakistan have walked out and are taking their respective positions. Also, the two openers of Bangladesh stride out, where Saif Hassan will open the innings alongside Parvez Hossain Emon.

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Pakistan eventually finished on 135, a total that carries an interesting twist. That very number happens to be the lowest total they have successfully defended against Bangladesh in T20Is. On the flip side, Bangladesh’s highest successful chase against Pakistan is 142. With the scores perfectly brushing against the boundaries of history, the chase promises to be a fascinating test of nerves and execution. The new batters have found it difficult to go bang-bang from the first ball and if Pakist

Taskin Ahmed yet again proved to be a valuable asset for Bangladesh with the ball as he picked up 3 big wickets, while Rishad Hossain was highly economical with an economy of just 4.5, taking a couple of wickets as well. Bangladesh, though, were not as sharp in the field as they would have liked, spilling a few straightforward chances that could have deepened Pakistan’s woes even further. Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Haris attempted to give the innings a late surge, and for a while their pa

The squeeze intensified in the middle passage. Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained a relentless grip, exposing the fragility of Pakistan’s middle order. Fakhar Zaman attempted an enterprising counter, but his effort was fleeting. With the scoreboard reading 33/4, Pakistan were in dire need of a stabilising alliance. That resolve never materialised in the first half, as wickets fell in an unbroken procession. From overs 7 to 15, Pakistan mustered just 56 runs while surrendering four wickets in

Phew. A highly entertaining first inning. 46/4 in the first ten overs, followed by 89/4 in the next ten. And with the last three overs going for 33 runs, Pakistan might feel that they have at least got some runs on the board, if not a very fighting total. Full marks to Bangladesh for being absolutely spot on with the ball, though. Had the fielders complemented them enough by sticking those easy chances in the field, who knows, Pakistan potentially could have been reduced to an even lower total.

Bangladesh’s seamers once again showcased their precision at the outset, much like they did against India, striking early to leave Pakistan in a precarious state. There was little swing available, yet the discipline and immaculate control from Taskin and company suffocated any chance of a free-flowing start. Sahibzada’s early departure and Saim’s fourth successive duck compounded the pressure, and Pakistan huffed and puffed to just 27/1 at the close of the Powerplay.

Mustafizur Rahman to Faheem Ashraf, Mustafizur Rahman gets away with it! He serves a full toss, on leg, Faheem Ashraf flicks it off the inside half of the bat towards deep mid-wicket for another double. Pakistan finish on 135/8!

Mustafizur Rahman to Faheem Ashraf, Pitched up and on off, Faheem Ashraf lofts it on the boucne to long off and refuses the run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Faheem Ashraf, 2 runs.

Mustafizur Rahman to Faheem Ashraf, A full toss, on middle, Faheem Ashraf tries to loft it away but loses his bottom hand and gets no timing. The ball goes over the bowler's head and between long on and long off giving the batters enough time for a second run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Faheem Ashraf, ! Streaky but they all count!

Mustafizur Rahman to Faheem Ashraf, WIDE! Short of a length but way outside off, Faheem Ashraf leaves it alone. Wided.

Mustafizur Rahman (3-0-22-1) to deliver the last over of the first inning. Can Pakistan go past 140? Bangladesh have been penalised for not completing their overs in time. Meaning, an extra fielder will have to be stationed inside the 30-yard circle. 

Mustafizur Rahman to Faheem Ashraf, Nails the yorker, on off, Faheem Ashraf jams it out towards long off but denies the single. Pretty clear strategy from Pakistan - Faheem will try to face every ball here.

Taskin Ahmed to Faheem Ashraf, Takes pace off, full and on leg, Faheem Ashraf clips it to deep mid-wicket for one more. Taskin Ahmed on his return to the side ends with brillaint figures of 4-0-28-3!

Taskin Ahmed to Haris Rauf, A good yorker now, on off, Haris Rauf digs it off the bottom of the bat through mid-wicket for one.

Taskin Ahmed to Haris Rauf, Swing and a miss! Slower one, full and around off, Haris Rauf goes through his slog early and misses.

Taskin Ahmed to Haris Rauf, Pitched up and on middle, Haris Rauf drills it away wide of long on for a couple of runs.

Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nawaz, ! TAKEN! Bangladesh finally holds on to one! This is a fantastic catch, and Taskin Ahmed has three now.

Haris Rauf is in at 10.

Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nawaz, ! Clean hit! Taskin Ahmed lands this back of a length and on middle, nothing delivery as this sits up nicely for the batter. Mohammad Nawaz gets on top of the bounce and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. The ball boy tries to catch it with a dive to his left but fails to grab it.

Taskin Ahmed (3-0-18-2) returns and will bowl the penultimate.

Mahedi Hasan to Faheem Ashraf, Flatter, full and angling into the pads, Faheem Ashraf tucks it wide of short fine for a brace. 12 runs off the over. Mahedi Hasan finishes with economical figures of 4-0-28-2!

Mahedi Hasan to Mohammad Nawaz, Dragged back and around off, Mohammad Nawaz slaps it to long off for one.

Mahedi Hasan to Mohammad Nawaz, WIDE! Darts in a wide yorker, but this is way outside off, Mohammad Nawaz lets it go. Wided.

Mahedi Hasan to Faheem Ashraf, Goes short and on middle, Faheem Ashraf punches it to long on for a run.

Mahedi Hasan to Mohammad Haris, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Mahedi Hasan gets his second, and this is a crucial one for Bangladesh at this point of time.

Who walks in next?

Mahedi Hasan to Mohammad Nawaz, Fires this one full and on middle, angling in, Mohammad Nawaz looks to slog it over mid-wicket but gets an inisde edge onto the keeper's pads as it rolls towards short fine. A single taken.

The last 5 overs have gone for 47 runs for Pakistan. Mahedi Hasan returns and will wrap up his spell. 3-0-16-1 so far for Hasan.

Mahedi Hasan to Mohammad Nawaz, ! BANG! Just what Pakistan needed!

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Nawaz, Pitched up and on off, Mohammad Nawaz pushes it through covers for one.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Nawaz, RUN CHANCE...MISSED! Short of a length and on middle, Mohammad Nawaz pulls it towards deep square leg and turns around for the second run and does not even look at his partner. However, Parvez Hossain Emon throws it at the wrong end towards the keeper, giving Haris the time to take off and make it to the other end with a dive. 

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Nawaz, WIDE! Tries the yorker but just loses his line and bowls it down the leg, Mohammad Nawaz misses his flick. Called a wide.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Haris, 1 run.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Haris, Fuller and outside off, Mohammad Haris gets low and carves it away wide of deep point. The fielder runs to his right and dives to stop the ball and saves two for his side.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Haris, No run.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Nawaz, 1 run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, ! Adventurous from Haris and he gets the reward! Angled across the batter, outside off, on a tad fuller length. Mohammad Haris shuffles across and scoops it over deep fine leg for a six. 11 off the over and Mustafizur Rahman's figures read 3-0-22-1 so far.

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, Bouncer again from Mustafizur, on the leg stump. Mohammad Haris short-arm jabs it between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, A deceptive bumper, slower one as well, on top of off. Mohammad Haris is early on the pull shot and misses to connect. The ball is gathered by Jaker Ali behind the stumps and he appeals for caught behind but it is not entertained by the umpire. 

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, No run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, Overthrows! From over the stumps now. Full and around middle and off. Haris brings the bat in front and taps it out to the cover region and rushes to the other end for a single. A wayward throw from the cover fielder toward the bowling end, and with no proper backup on the leg side, this allows the batters to cross over for the second run as well.

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Nawaz, Around the stumps, short and tries to tuck the batter for room by bowling on the bodyline. Nawaz swivels and pulls it through widish mid-wicket for a single.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Nawaz, Slows it up, short and outside off, Mohammad Nawaz punches it to extra covers for one more. Rishad Hossain finishes a super spell with figures of 4-0-18-2!

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Haris, Goes short again and outside off, turns further away, Mohammad Haris drags it down to wide long on for one.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Nawaz, 1 run.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Nawaz, Almost dragged on!

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Haris, Floated, full and on middle, Mohammad Haris goes down and sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Rishad Hossain (3-0-10-2) to bowl out now.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Haris, Four!

Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nawaz, , ! Bangladesh have been very sloppy in the field tonight!

Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nawaz, No run.

Mohammad Nawaz is the next man in.

Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nawaz, No run.

Taskin Ahmed to Shaheen Afridi, ! STRAIGHT UP IN THE AIR AND GONE! CAUGHT!

Taskin Ahmed to Shaheen Afridi, On the pads, on a length. Shaheen Afridi tries to play it across to the leg side and is beaten on the inside edge before getting thudded on the front pad. A stifled appeal for LBW, but it is clearly pitching outside the leg stump line.

Taskin Ahmed to Shaheen Afridi, ! You bowl him there, and he will just whack it over the ropes! Lands it short and around off, an off cutter. Shaheen Afridi has all the time in the world to pull it over deep mid-wicket for a huge six!

Will Rishad Hossain bowl out?

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Shaheen Afridi, Pace on at 134.6 kph, hard length, outside off. Shaheen Afridi hangs back and dabs it behind to deep third for a single. 10 off the over, and 14 from the last two overs for Pakistan. Tanzim Hasan Sakib's figures read 3-0-20-0 so far. 

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Shaheen Afridi, Clever stuff from Sakib! Takes all the pace off, on a good length, wide outside off. Shaheen Afridi clears the front foot and shapes to heave it across, but misses again on the connection.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Shaheen Afridi, Slower one at 118.0 kph, outside off on a length. Shaheen Afridi swings across to pull, but he is very early into the shot and is beaten by the lack of pace.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Shaheen Afridi, ! He has picked the bones out of it! Shortish delivery, around off. Shaheen Afridi goes deep inside the crease and pulls it handsomely over deep square leg for a huge six.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Shaheen Afridi, 2 runs.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Haris, 1 run.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Haris, On a length, drifting onto the pads. Haris hangs deep in the crease and steers it to widish square leg for a single.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Haris, No run.

Rishad Hossain to Shaheen Afridi, STRAIGHT UP AND ! Mahedi Hasan shells a chance now. 

Rishad Hossain to Shaheen Afridi, Length, sliding on the stumps, Shaheen dances down the track and mistimes it over mid on for a couple of runs.

Rishad Hossain to Shaheen Afridi, A huge appeal for LBW, but not given. Jaker Ali walks to Rishad Hossain and after a brief chat, this is referred upstairs for a review!

Rishad Hossain to Shaheen Afridi, ! Wasn't an easy chance, but being a keeper himself, this should have been taken by Nurul Hasan. 

Mustafizur Rahman to Shaheen Afridi, Back of a length, speared on middle. Shaheen Afridi gets a bit across and knocks it to the right of mid on for a single. Top stuff from 'The Fizz' after an ordinary game against India. His figures read 2-0-11-1 so far.

Shaheen Afridi gets a promotion and comes out to bat now.

Mustafizur Rahman to Shaheen Afridi, WIDE! Digs it into the surface, short and over the head height of the batter. Shaheen leans back and lets it be. Wide called for height.  50 UP FOR PAKISTAN!

Mustafizur Rahman to Salman Agha, An appeal for caught behind, but not given. Jaker Ali, however, is very confident and straightaway takes the review to challenge the on-field decision!

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, Another length ball, outside off, and this is steered towards deep third for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Salman Agha, At 135.5 kph, this is on a length, on top of middle. Salman Agha hangs deep in the crease and glides it behind to deep third for one more.

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, Similar line and length, Haris opens the bat face deliberately late and runs it behind to deep third for a single. 

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, On middle and leg, on a length, dabbed out to the point region by Haris.

DRINKS BREAK. Pakistan are in all sorts of trouble at the moment and are in desperate need of a stable partnership. Once again, their vulnerabilities in this middle phase have been exposed. Full marks for Bangladesh as they have just not let the batters get any sort of breathing space and importantly, they have picked up wickets at regular intervals. Much like against India last night, they have been very proactive in the field as well. For Pakistan, it is all about batting full overs and at le

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, Flighted, full and on middle, Salman Agha tucks it away through mid-wicket and puts the pressure on the fielder again. Rishad Hossain from long on runs to his right and takes his eyes off the ball, failing to pick it up cleanly. The batter gets an extra run, and Mahedi is not a happy man.

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, Dragged back, on middle, turns in, Salman Agha flicks it away towards deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second run. Haris was running to the danger end but made it easily. Mahedi not happy with the fielder's effort there.

Mahedi Hasan to Mohammad Haris, Floated, full and on leg, Mohammad Haris clips it thorugh square leg for a run.

Mahedi Hasan to Mohammad Haris, ! Easy pickings! Mahedi Hasan fires one full but drifting down the leg side, Mohammad Haris just has to put some bat on that and tickles it away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, Short again and on off, Salman Agha stays back and punches it to long on for a single.

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, Flatter, short and on middle, Salman Agha stabs it to the right of the bowler.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Haris, TURN AND BOUNCE! Slows it up, full and on off, grips and turns away with extra bounce. Mohammad Haris looks to work it across the line but closes the bat face early. It takes the leading edge but drops well short of short covers.

Rishad Hossain to Salman Agha, 1 run.

Rishad Hossain to Salman Agha, No run.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Haris, Flighted, full and on middle, Mohammad Haris goes down and sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Haris, In the air...SAFE!

Rishad Hossain to Hussain Talat, ! TAKEN! You just cannot leave Rishad Hossain out of this game! First two catches, and now two wickets in two overs.

Mohammad Haris walks in at number 6.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Salman Agha, Sharp bowling! Tanzim Hasan Sakib bangs in a bouncer at 127.7 clicks, gets some extra bounce, Salman Agha ducks a bit and leaves it alone. He thinks it is a wide but gets nothing from the umpire.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Salman Agha, On a length and on middle, Salman Agha nudges it to short mid-wicket.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Hussain Talat, Slower one, pulls his length back a bit, Hussain Talat runs it down to third man for one.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Hussain Talat, Gets off the mark! Touch fuller, on middle, Hussain Talat clips it towards deep mid-wicket. The fielder from long on charges to his left to pick it up wth one hand but lets it through, allowing an extra run.

The middle phase, meaning the period from 7-15 overs, has been a huge vulnerability for Pakistan. In this Asia Cup alone, they have lost 16 wickets in this phase, with a run rate just in the immediate north of 6 runs per over. 

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Hussain Talat, Good length and on off, Hussain Talat opens the face of his bat and guides it to point. He has already played four dots.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Salman Agha, Back of a length and on off, Salman Agha punches it thorugh cover-point for a single.

Rishad Hossain to Hussain Talat, Quicker, full and around off, keeps low, Hussain Talat tries to go for the sweep initially but then adjusts and stabs it out towards point. Just 2 runs and a big wicket from Rishad's first over.

Rishad Hossain to Hussain Talat, Flatter, short and on middle, Hussain Talat pats it down the pitch, where Rishad collects it to his left.

Rishad Hossain to Hussain Talat, Loopy, full and on middle, turns in again, Hussain Talat tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Hussain Talat is in at 5 with Pakistan in a spot of bother.

Rishad Hossain to Fakhar Zaman, ! TAKEN! Rishad Hossain strikes in his first over now!

Rishad Hossain to Salman Agha, Uppish but safe! Tossed up, full and around off, Salman Agha goes down but has to drag his sweep shot. Gets a top edge that flies towards deep square leg but on the bounce towards deep backward point for a run.

Excellent Powerplay for Bangladesh. Not a single over went in double digits. Here's Rishad Hossain to begin the post-Powerplay phase. He replaces Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Rishad Hossain to Fakhar Zaman, Floated, short and on off, Fakhar Zaman waits for it and guides it to point for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Salman Agha, The Fizz responds with a quick bouncer, on off, angles away, Salman Agha lets it go to the keeper. Pakistan are 27/2 at the end of the Powerplay - their lowest in this Asia Cup!

Mustafizur Rahman to Salman Agha, ! Up and over!

Mustafizur Rahman to Salman Agha, Short of a length and on off, takes off a bit, Salman Agha gets a bit hurried by the extra bounce but does well to steer it to backward point.

Mustafizur Rahman to Fakhar Zaman, Nicely bowled! Mustafizur Rahman takes pace off, full and on middle, Fakhar Zaman comes down the track but yorks himself and jams it towards mid on for a run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Salman Agha, 1 run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Salman Agha, Mustafizur Rahman hits the length hard from 'over the wicket, on middle, angling away, Salman Agha rides the bounce and dabs it to point.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Fakhar Zaman, Back of a length, on a tight line, Fakhar stabs it off the back foot to the bowler.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Fakhar Zaman, Pace off, on a nagging length, on the fifth stump line. Fakhar Zaman swings his bat in January and the ball arrives in December. Gets beaten all ends up by pace.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Salman Agha, Had to hurry! Nips in from off, on a good length. Agha hangs back and steers it to the right of mid-wicket and calls Fakhar for a single. The fielder is quick to get on the ball and throws in a motion towards the bowling end, but misses his shy and that allows Agha to get home.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Fakhar Zaman, Back of a length, on top of the stumps, Fakhar flat bats it wide of mid on for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Fakhar Zaman, ! Gets it through! Short from Sakib, on the bodyline. Fakhar Zaman looks to heave it across, but gets off the inner half of the bat and the ball runs to the right of short fine for a boundary.

Change? Yes, Tanzim Hasan Sakib replaces Taskin Ahmed.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Fakhar Zaman, Back of a length, outside off, punched off the back foot to cover-point.

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, ! SMASHED!

Mahedi Hasan to Fakhar Zaman, On a length, sliding into the batter. Fakhar Zaman again charges down the track and tries to work it down the ground, but gets an inside egde and the ball rolls wide of mid on for a single.

Mahedi Hasan to Fakhar Zaman, Slows it up, does Mahedi. Full and tossed up, on middle. Fakhar Zaman shuffles across to the leg side, and shapes to sweep it away, but gets an inside edge and wears on the front pad.

Mahedi Hasan to Fakhar Zaman, No run.

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, Full and at 96.7 kph, on middle and leg. Agha pushes it to wide mid-wicket for a single.

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, Flat and quick, on a length, around off. Salman Agha dances down the track and ends up tapping it to the point region.

Taskin Ahmed to Fakhar Zaman, Seeing Fakhar backing away, Taskin throws it wide outside off, on a length. Fakhar Zaman tries to slash it away but misses to lay his bat on ball. 

Taskin Ahmed to Fakhar Zaman, Four!

Taskin Ahmed to Fakhar Zaman, Hits the deck hard, does Ahmed, outside off. Fakhar Zaman plays from the crease and dabs it to backward point. Four dots on the trot from Taskin in this over!

Taskin Ahmed to Fakhar Zaman, Hard length, skidding through, outside off. Fakhar Zaman shapes to cut it square on the off side, but gets a bottom edge and the ball dribbles behind to the keeper.

Taskin Ahmed to Fakhar Zaman, Short and on middle and leg. Fakhar Zaman gets right behind it and blocks it back to the bowler.

Taskin Ahmed to Fakhar Zaman, Fuller and around off, worked to the left of cover.

Talk about making a difference. Bangladesh brought in both Taskin Ahmed and Mahedi Hasan for this game, and they have delivered with a wicket each in the first two overs of this game. Also, skipper Salman Agha comes out to the middle with Pakistan in early trouble.

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, An absolute jaffa from Mahedi! 

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, Length, on the stumps, drifting into the batter. Salman nudges it with soft hands to mid-wicket.

Mahedi Hasan to Saim Ayub, ! GONE! CAUGHT! 4th duck for Saim Ayub in this Asia Cup and the Bangladeshi players are all charged up!

Mahedi Hasan to Fakhar Zaman, Fuller than a length, on the stumps, Fakhar steps down the ground and drills it down to long on for a single.

Mahedi Hasan to Fakhar Zaman, Length, around off and middle. Fakhar Zaman dances down the track and shanks it to the off side.

Mahedi Hasan to Fakhar Zaman, No run.

Taskin Ahmed to Saim Ayub, Full and just outside off, at pace, Ayub works it straight to mid off. A very successful over from Taskin. A huge wicket of Farhan and just 4 off it. 

Who bowls now?

Taskin Ahmed to Saim Ayub, Hard length, on top of middle, tailing in a bit. Saim hangs back and bunts it down the pitch.

Saim Ayub walks out to bat at number 3.

Taskin Ahmed to Sahibzada Farhan, ! GONE! CAUGHT! Taskin Ahmed draws first blood and provides the first wicket for Bangladesh! Goes fuller, does Taskin, outside off, gently shaping away. It lands and then kicks up a bit off the deck as well. Sahibzada Farhan throws his bat by extending his arms wide open, but due to that extra bounce, the ball gets sliced off the blade and goes flat and straight toward Rishad Hossain at point. Rishad takes a fine catch around his waist height. Sahibza

Taskin Ahmed to Sahibzada Farhan, ! And he is off the mark in style! Taskin slams the deck hard, around off, with not much movement this time around. Sahibzada Farhan stands tall and punches it between cover and point for a cracking boundary!

Taskin Ahmed to Sahibzada Farhan, On a back of a length, shaping away from off. Sahibzada Farhan punches off the back foot to short cover.

Taskin Ahmed to Sahibzada Farhan, Taskin is on the money! Just a tinge of an away shape, full and around off, Sahibzada Farhan prods forward and firmly drives it away, but straight to mid off.

All in readiness now! It's the battle of green here in Dubai, and the fans from both sides have come out in numbers to support them.

We are moments away from this crucial encounter, but before that, the match officials walk out to the middle, and the on-field umpire collects the match ball. Now, the players from both sides come out and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Bangladesh's first, followed by the national anthem of Pakistan.

PITCH REPORT - Waqar Younis and Simon Doull are pitchside with their analysis. Waqar first highlights that chasing has been easy in Dubai and admires the work done by the ground staff. Doull then joins him and observes some nice covering of grass and reckons that there might be enough movement for the seamers early on. Also points out that there was turn in the last game, but he thinks that the teams didn't play against spinners well. Waqar notes that the weather has changed a bit and points ou

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali (C/WK), Rishad Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.

Pakistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (C), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

Salman Agha, the skipper of Pakistan, says they wanted to bat first, so it's fine. Adds that the wicket looks good and they have been batting well. Tells that whenever they have scored over 150, the bowlers have mostly managed to defend it. Mentions that beating Sri Lanka is always a good thing, as they are one of the best sides in Asia. Says that it is important to play in any final and that is something in the back of their minds. Ends by saying that if they play good cricket, they will progr

The stand-in captain of Bangladesh, Jaker Ali, says that it looks like a pretty dry wicket and shares that they have been doing pretty well while bowling first and hence they are going with that strategy. Stresses on batting well in this match and adds that the mindset in the camp is about playing for the championship. Informs that they have three changes in the playing XI.

TOSS - Still no Litton Das for Bangladesh as Jaker Ali walks out for the toss. The coin lands in favour of him and Bangladesh have elected to BOWL first.

Back with the chase! The players of Pakistan have walked out and are taking their respective positions. Also, the two openers of Bangladesh stride out, where Saif Hassan will open the innings alongside Parvez Hossain Emon.

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Pakistan eventually finished on 135, a total that carries an interesting twist. That very number happens to be the lowest total they have successfully defended against Bangladesh in T20Is. On the flip side, Bangladesh’s highest successful chase against Pakistan is 142. With the scores perfectly brushing against the boundaries of history, the chase promises to be a fascinating test of nerves and execution. The new batters have found it difficult to go bang-bang from the first ball and if Pakist

Taskin Ahmed yet again proved to be a valuable asset for Bangladesh with the ball as he picked up 3 big wickets, while Rishad Hossain was highly economical with an economy of just 4.5, taking a couple of wickets as well. Bangladesh, though, were not as sharp in the field as they would have liked, spilling a few straightforward chances that could have deepened Pakistan’s woes even further. Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Haris attempted to give the innings a late surge, and for a while their pa

The squeeze intensified in the middle passage. Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained a relentless grip, exposing the fragility of Pakistan’s middle order. Fakhar Zaman attempted an enterprising counter, but his effort was fleeting. With the scoreboard reading 33/4, Pakistan were in dire need of a stabilising alliance. That resolve never materialised in the first half, as wickets fell in an unbroken procession. From overs 7 to 15, Pakistan mustered just 56 runs while surrendering four wickets in

Phew. A highly entertaining first inning. 46/4 in the first ten overs, followed by 89/4 in the next ten. And with the last three overs going for 33 runs, Pakistan might feel that they have at least got some runs on the board, if not a very fighting total. Full marks to Bangladesh for being absolutely spot on with the ball, though. Had the fielders complemented them enough by sticking those easy chances in the field, who knows, Pakistan potentially could have been reduced to an even lower total.

Bangladesh’s seamers once again showcased their precision at the outset, much like they did against India, striking early to leave Pakistan in a precarious state. There was little swing available, yet the discipline and immaculate control from Taskin and company suffocated any chance of a free-flowing start. Sahibzada’s early departure and Saim’s fourth successive duck compounded the pressure, and Pakistan huffed and puffed to just 27/1 at the close of the Powerplay.

Mustafizur Rahman to Faheem Ashraf, Mustafizur Rahman gets away with it! He serves a full toss, on leg, Faheem Ashraf flicks it off the inside half of the bat towards deep mid-wicket for another double. Pakistan finish on 135/8!

Mustafizur Rahman to Faheem Ashraf, Pitched up and on off, Faheem Ashraf lofts it on the boucne to long off and refuses the run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Faheem Ashraf, 2 runs.

Mustafizur Rahman to Faheem Ashraf, A full toss, on middle, Faheem Ashraf tries to loft it away but loses his bottom hand and gets no timing. The ball goes over the bowler's head and between long on and long off giving the batters enough time for a second run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Faheem Ashraf, ! Streaky but they all count!

Mustafizur Rahman to Faheem Ashraf, WIDE! Short of a length but way outside off, Faheem Ashraf leaves it alone. Wided.

Mustafizur Rahman (3-0-22-1) to deliver the last over of the first inning. Can Pakistan go past 140? Bangladesh have been penalised for not completing their overs in time. Meaning, an extra fielder will have to be stationed inside the 30-yard circle. 

Mustafizur Rahman to Faheem Ashraf, Nails the yorker, on off, Faheem Ashraf jams it out towards long off but denies the single. Pretty clear strategy from Pakistan - Faheem will try to face every ball here.

Taskin Ahmed to Faheem Ashraf, Takes pace off, full and on leg, Faheem Ashraf clips it to deep mid-wicket for one more. Taskin Ahmed on his return to the side ends with brillaint figures of 4-0-28-3!

Taskin Ahmed to Haris Rauf, A good yorker now, on off, Haris Rauf digs it off the bottom of the bat through mid-wicket for one.

Taskin Ahmed to Haris Rauf, Swing and a miss! Slower one, full and around off, Haris Rauf goes through his slog early and misses.

Taskin Ahmed to Haris Rauf, Pitched up and on middle, Haris Rauf drills it away wide of long on for a couple of runs.

Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nawaz, ! TAKEN! Bangladesh finally holds on to one! This is a fantastic catch, and Taskin Ahmed has three now.

Haris Rauf is in at 10.

Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nawaz, ! Clean hit! Taskin Ahmed lands this back of a length and on middle, nothing delivery as this sits up nicely for the batter. Mohammad Nawaz gets on top of the bounce and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. The ball boy tries to catch it with a dive to his left but fails to grab it.

Taskin Ahmed (3-0-18-2) returns and will bowl the penultimate.

Mahedi Hasan to Faheem Ashraf, Flatter, full and angling into the pads, Faheem Ashraf tucks it wide of short fine for a brace. 12 runs off the over. Mahedi Hasan finishes with economical figures of 4-0-28-2!

Mahedi Hasan to Mohammad Nawaz, Dragged back and around off, Mohammad Nawaz slaps it to long off for one.

Mahedi Hasan to Mohammad Nawaz, WIDE! Darts in a wide yorker, but this is way outside off, Mohammad Nawaz lets it go. Wided.

Mahedi Hasan to Faheem Ashraf, Goes short and on middle, Faheem Ashraf punches it to long on for a run.

Mahedi Hasan to Mohammad Haris, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Mahedi Hasan gets his second, and this is a crucial one for Bangladesh at this point of time.

Who walks in next?

Mahedi Hasan to Mohammad Nawaz, Fires this one full and on middle, angling in, Mohammad Nawaz looks to slog it over mid-wicket but gets an inisde edge onto the keeper's pads as it rolls towards short fine. A single taken.

The last 5 overs have gone for 47 runs for Pakistan. Mahedi Hasan returns and will wrap up his spell. 3-0-16-1 so far for Hasan.

Mahedi Hasan to Mohammad Nawaz, ! BANG! Just what Pakistan needed!

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Nawaz, Pitched up and on off, Mohammad Nawaz pushes it through covers for one.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Nawaz, RUN CHANCE...MISSED! Short of a length and on middle, Mohammad Nawaz pulls it towards deep square leg and turns around for the second run and does not even look at his partner. However, Parvez Hossain Emon throws it at the wrong end towards the keeper, giving Haris the time to take off and make it to the other end with a dive. 

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Nawaz, WIDE! Tries the yorker but just loses his line and bowls it down the leg, Mohammad Nawaz misses his flick. Called a wide.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Haris, 1 run.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Haris, Fuller and outside off, Mohammad Haris gets low and carves it away wide of deep point. The fielder runs to his right and dives to stop the ball and saves two for his side.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Haris, No run.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Nawaz, 1 run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, ! Adventurous from Haris and he gets the reward! Angled across the batter, outside off, on a tad fuller length. Mohammad Haris shuffles across and scoops it over deep fine leg for a six. 11 off the over and Mustafizur Rahman's figures read 3-0-22-1 so far.

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, Bouncer again from Mustafizur, on the leg stump. Mohammad Haris short-arm jabs it between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, A deceptive bumper, slower one as well, on top of off. Mohammad Haris is early on the pull shot and misses to connect. The ball is gathered by Jaker Ali behind the stumps and he appeals for caught behind but it is not entertained by the umpire. 

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, No run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, Overthrows! From over the stumps now. Full and around middle and off. Haris brings the bat in front and taps it out to the cover region and rushes to the other end for a single. A wayward throw from the cover fielder toward the bowling end, and with no proper backup on the leg side, this allows the batters to cross over for the second run as well.

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Nawaz, Around the stumps, short and tries to tuck the batter for room by bowling on the bodyline. Nawaz swivels and pulls it through widish mid-wicket for a single.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Nawaz, Slows it up, short and outside off, Mohammad Nawaz punches it to extra covers for one more. Rishad Hossain finishes a super spell with figures of 4-0-18-2!

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Haris, Goes short again and outside off, turns further away, Mohammad Haris drags it down to wide long on for one.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Nawaz, 1 run.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Nawaz, Almost dragged on!

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Haris, Floated, full and on middle, Mohammad Haris goes down and sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Rishad Hossain (3-0-10-2) to bowl out now.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Haris, Four!

Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nawaz, , ! Bangladesh have been very sloppy in the field tonight!

Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nawaz, No run.

Mohammad Nawaz is the next man in.

Taskin Ahmed to Mohammad Nawaz, No run.

Taskin Ahmed to Shaheen Afridi, ! STRAIGHT UP IN THE AIR AND GONE! CAUGHT!

Taskin Ahmed to Shaheen Afridi, On the pads, on a length. Shaheen Afridi tries to play it across to the leg side and is beaten on the inside edge before getting thudded on the front pad. A stifled appeal for LBW, but it is clearly pitching outside the leg stump line.

Taskin Ahmed to Shaheen Afridi, ! You bowl him there, and he will just whack it over the ropes! Lands it short and around off, an off cutter. Shaheen Afridi has all the time in the world to pull it over deep mid-wicket for a huge six!

Will Rishad Hossain bowl out?

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Shaheen Afridi, Pace on at 134.6 kph, hard length, outside off. Shaheen Afridi hangs back and dabs it behind to deep third for a single. 10 off the over, and 14 from the last two overs for Pakistan. Tanzim Hasan Sakib's figures read 3-0-20-0 so far. 

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Shaheen Afridi, Clever stuff from Sakib! Takes all the pace off, on a good length, wide outside off. Shaheen Afridi clears the front foot and shapes to heave it across, but misses again on the connection.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Shaheen Afridi, Slower one at 118.0 kph, outside off on a length. Shaheen Afridi swings across to pull, but he is very early into the shot and is beaten by the lack of pace.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Shaheen Afridi, ! He has picked the bones out of it! Shortish delivery, around off. Shaheen Afridi goes deep inside the crease and pulls it handsomely over deep square leg for a huge six.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Shaheen Afridi, 2 runs.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Mohammad Haris, 1 run.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Haris, On a length, drifting onto the pads. Haris hangs deep in the crease and steers it to widish square leg for a single.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Haris, No run.

Rishad Hossain to Shaheen Afridi, STRAIGHT UP AND ! Mahedi Hasan shells a chance now. 

Rishad Hossain to Shaheen Afridi, Length, sliding on the stumps, Shaheen dances down the track and mistimes it over mid on for a couple of runs.

Rishad Hossain to Shaheen Afridi, A huge appeal for LBW, but not given. Jaker Ali walks to Rishad Hossain and after a brief chat, this is referred upstairs for a review!

Rishad Hossain to Shaheen Afridi, ! Wasn't an easy chance, but being a keeper himself, this should have been taken by Nurul Hasan. 

Mustafizur Rahman to Shaheen Afridi, Back of a length, speared on middle. Shaheen Afridi gets a bit across and knocks it to the right of mid on for a single. Top stuff from 'The Fizz' after an ordinary game against India. His figures read 2-0-11-1 so far.

Shaheen Afridi gets a promotion and comes out to bat now.

Mustafizur Rahman to Shaheen Afridi, WIDE! Digs it into the surface, short and over the head height of the batter. Shaheen leans back and lets it be. Wide called for height.  50 UP FOR PAKISTAN!

Mustafizur Rahman to Salman Agha, An appeal for caught behind, but not given. Jaker Ali, however, is very confident and straightaway takes the review to challenge the on-field decision!

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, Another length ball, outside off, and this is steered towards deep third for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Salman Agha, At 135.5 kph, this is on a length, on top of middle. Salman Agha hangs deep in the crease and glides it behind to deep third for one more.

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, Similar line and length, Haris opens the bat face deliberately late and runs it behind to deep third for a single. 

Mustafizur Rahman to Mohammad Haris, On middle and leg, on a length, dabbed out to the point region by Haris.

DRINKS BREAK. Pakistan are in all sorts of trouble at the moment and are in desperate need of a stable partnership. Once again, their vulnerabilities in this middle phase have been exposed. Full marks for Bangladesh as they have just not let the batters get any sort of breathing space and importantly, they have picked up wickets at regular intervals. Much like against India last night, they have been very proactive in the field as well. For Pakistan, it is all about batting full overs and at le

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, Flighted, full and on middle, Salman Agha tucks it away through mid-wicket and puts the pressure on the fielder again. Rishad Hossain from long on runs to his right and takes his eyes off the ball, failing to pick it up cleanly. The batter gets an extra run, and Mahedi is not a happy man.

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, Dragged back, on middle, turns in, Salman Agha flicks it away towards deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second run. Haris was running to the danger end but made it easily. Mahedi not happy with the fielder's effort there.

Mahedi Hasan to Mohammad Haris, Floated, full and on leg, Mohammad Haris clips it thorugh square leg for a run.

Mahedi Hasan to Mohammad Haris, ! Easy pickings! Mahedi Hasan fires one full but drifting down the leg side, Mohammad Haris just has to put some bat on that and tickles it away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, Short again and on off, Salman Agha stays back and punches it to long on for a single.

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, Flatter, short and on middle, Salman Agha stabs it to the right of the bowler.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Haris, TURN AND BOUNCE! Slows it up, full and on off, grips and turns away with extra bounce. Mohammad Haris looks to work it across the line but closes the bat face early. It takes the leading edge but drops well short of short covers.

Rishad Hossain to Salman Agha, 1 run.

Rishad Hossain to Salman Agha, No run.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Haris, Flighted, full and on middle, Mohammad Haris goes down and sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Rishad Hossain to Mohammad Haris, In the air...SAFE!

Rishad Hossain to Hussain Talat, ! TAKEN! You just cannot leave Rishad Hossain out of this game! First two catches, and now two wickets in two overs.

Mohammad Haris walks in at number 6.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Salman Agha, Sharp bowling! Tanzim Hasan Sakib bangs in a bouncer at 127.7 clicks, gets some extra bounce, Salman Agha ducks a bit and leaves it alone. He thinks it is a wide but gets nothing from the umpire.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Salman Agha, On a length and on middle, Salman Agha nudges it to short mid-wicket.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Hussain Talat, Slower one, pulls his length back a bit, Hussain Talat runs it down to third man for one.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Hussain Talat, Gets off the mark! Touch fuller, on middle, Hussain Talat clips it towards deep mid-wicket. The fielder from long on charges to his left to pick it up wth one hand but lets it through, allowing an extra run.

The middle phase, meaning the period from 7-15 overs, has been a huge vulnerability for Pakistan. In this Asia Cup alone, they have lost 16 wickets in this phase, with a run rate just in the immediate north of 6 runs per over. 

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Hussain Talat, Good length and on off, Hussain Talat opens the face of his bat and guides it to point. He has already played four dots.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Salman Agha, Back of a length and on off, Salman Agha punches it thorugh cover-point for a single.

Rishad Hossain to Hussain Talat, Quicker, full and around off, keeps low, Hussain Talat tries to go for the sweep initially but then adjusts and stabs it out towards point. Just 2 runs and a big wicket from Rishad's first over.

Rishad Hossain to Hussain Talat, Flatter, short and on middle, Hussain Talat pats it down the pitch, where Rishad collects it to his left.

Rishad Hossain to Hussain Talat, Loopy, full and on middle, turns in again, Hussain Talat tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Hussain Talat is in at 5 with Pakistan in a spot of bother.

Rishad Hossain to Fakhar Zaman, ! TAKEN! Rishad Hossain strikes in his first over now!

Rishad Hossain to Salman Agha, Uppish but safe! Tossed up, full and around off, Salman Agha goes down but has to drag his sweep shot. Gets a top edge that flies towards deep square leg but on the bounce towards deep backward point for a run.

Excellent Powerplay for Bangladesh. Not a single over went in double digits. Here's Rishad Hossain to begin the post-Powerplay phase. He replaces Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Rishad Hossain to Fakhar Zaman, Floated, short and on off, Fakhar Zaman waits for it and guides it to point for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Salman Agha, The Fizz responds with a quick bouncer, on off, angles away, Salman Agha lets it go to the keeper. Pakistan are 27/2 at the end of the Powerplay - their lowest in this Asia Cup!

Mustafizur Rahman to Salman Agha, ! Up and over!

Mustafizur Rahman to Salman Agha, Short of a length and on off, takes off a bit, Salman Agha gets a bit hurried by the extra bounce but does well to steer it to backward point.

Mustafizur Rahman to Fakhar Zaman, Nicely bowled! Mustafizur Rahman takes pace off, full and on middle, Fakhar Zaman comes down the track but yorks himself and jams it towards mid on for a run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Salman Agha, 1 run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Salman Agha, Mustafizur Rahman hits the length hard from 'over the wicket, on middle, angling away, Salman Agha rides the bounce and dabs it to point.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Fakhar Zaman, Back of a length, on a tight line, Fakhar stabs it off the back foot to the bowler.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Fakhar Zaman, Pace off, on a nagging length, on the fifth stump line. Fakhar Zaman swings his bat in January and the ball arrives in December. Gets beaten all ends up by pace.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Salman Agha, Had to hurry! Nips in from off, on a good length. Agha hangs back and steers it to the right of mid-wicket and calls Fakhar for a single. The fielder is quick to get on the ball and throws in a motion towards the bowling end, but misses his shy and that allows Agha to get home.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Fakhar Zaman, Back of a length, on top of the stumps, Fakhar flat bats it wide of mid on for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Fakhar Zaman, ! Gets it through! Short from Sakib, on the bodyline. Fakhar Zaman looks to heave it across, but gets off the inner half of the bat and the ball runs to the right of short fine for a boundary.

Change? Yes, Tanzim Hasan Sakib replaces Taskin Ahmed.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Fakhar Zaman, Back of a length, outside off, punched off the back foot to cover-point.

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, ! SMASHED!

Mahedi Hasan to Fakhar Zaman, On a length, sliding into the batter. Fakhar Zaman again charges down the track and tries to work it down the ground, but gets an inside egde and the ball rolls wide of mid on for a single.

Mahedi Hasan to Fakhar Zaman, Slows it up, does Mahedi. Full and tossed up, on middle. Fakhar Zaman shuffles across to the leg side, and shapes to sweep it away, but gets an inside edge and wears on the front pad.

Mahedi Hasan to Fakhar Zaman, No run.

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, Full and at 96.7 kph, on middle and leg. Agha pushes it to wide mid-wicket for a single.

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, Flat and quick, on a length, around off. Salman Agha dances down the track and ends up tapping it to the point region.

Taskin Ahmed to Fakhar Zaman, Seeing Fakhar backing away, Taskin throws it wide outside off, on a length. Fakhar Zaman tries to slash it away but misses to lay his bat on ball. 

Taskin Ahmed to Fakhar Zaman, Four!

Taskin Ahmed to Fakhar Zaman, Hits the deck hard, does Ahmed, outside off. Fakhar Zaman plays from the crease and dabs it to backward point. Four dots on the trot from Taskin in this over!

Taskin Ahmed to Fakhar Zaman, Hard length, skidding through, outside off. Fakhar Zaman shapes to cut it square on the off side, but gets a bottom edge and the ball dribbles behind to the keeper.

Taskin Ahmed to Fakhar Zaman, Short and on middle and leg. Fakhar Zaman gets right behind it and blocks it back to the bowler.

Taskin Ahmed to Fakhar Zaman, Fuller and around off, worked to the left of cover.

Talk about making a difference. Bangladesh brought in both Taskin Ahmed and Mahedi Hasan for this game, and they have delivered with a wicket each in the first two overs of this game. Also, skipper Salman Agha comes out to the middle with Pakistan in early trouble.

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, An absolute jaffa from Mahedi! 

Mahedi Hasan to Salman Agha, Length, on the stumps, drifting into the batter. Salman nudges it with soft hands to mid-wicket.

Mahedi Hasan to Saim Ayub, ! GONE! CAUGHT! 4th duck for Saim Ayub in this Asia Cup and the Bangladeshi players are all charged up!

Mahedi Hasan to Fakhar Zaman, Fuller than a length, on the stumps, Fakhar steps down the ground and drills it down to long on for a single.

Mahedi Hasan to Fakhar Zaman, Length, around off and middle. Fakhar Zaman dances down the track and shanks it to the off side.

Mahedi Hasan to Fakhar Zaman, No run.

Taskin Ahmed to Saim Ayub, Full and just outside off, at pace, Ayub works it straight to mid off. A very successful over from Taskin. A huge wicket of Farhan and just 4 off it. 

Who bowls now?

Taskin Ahmed to Saim Ayub, Hard length, on top of middle, tailing in a bit. Saim hangs back and bunts it down the pitch.

Saim Ayub walks out to bat at number 3.

Taskin Ahmed to Sahibzada Farhan, ! GONE! CAUGHT! Taskin Ahmed draws first blood and provides the first wicket for Bangladesh! Goes fuller, does Taskin, outside off, gently shaping away. It lands and then kicks up a bit off the deck as well. Sahibzada Farhan throws his bat by extending his arms wide open, but due to that extra bounce, the ball gets sliced off the blade and goes flat and straight toward Rishad Hossain at point. Rishad takes a fine catch around his waist height. Sahibza

Taskin Ahmed to Sahibzada Farhan, ! And he is off the mark in style! Taskin slams the deck hard, around off, with not much movement this time around. Sahibzada Farhan stands tall and punches it between cover and point for a cracking boundary!

Taskin Ahmed to Sahibzada Farhan, On a back of a length, shaping away from off. Sahibzada Farhan punches off the back foot to short cover.

Taskin Ahmed to Sahibzada Farhan, Taskin is on the money! Just a tinge of an away shape, full and around off, Sahibzada Farhan prods forward and firmly drives it away, but straight to mid off.

All in readiness now! It's the battle of green here in Dubai, and the fans from both sides have come out in numbers to support them.

We are moments away from this crucial encounter, but before that, the match officials walk out to the middle, and the on-field umpire collects the match ball. Now, the players from both sides come out and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Bangladesh's first, followed by the national anthem of Pakistan.

PITCH REPORT - Waqar Younis and Simon Doull are pitchside with their analysis. Waqar first highlights that chasing has been easy in Dubai and admires the work done by the ground staff. Doull then joins him and observes some nice covering of grass and reckons that there might be enough movement for the seamers early on. Also points out that there was turn in the last game, but he thinks that the teams didn't play against spinners well. Waqar notes that the weather has changed a bit and points ou

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali (C/WK), Rishad Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.

Pakistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (C), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

Salman Agha, the skipper of Pakistan, says they wanted to bat first, so it's fine. Adds that the wicket looks good and they have been batting well. Tells that whenever they have scored over 150, the bowlers have mostly managed to defend it. Mentions that beating Sri Lanka is always a good thing, as they are one of the best sides in Asia. Says that it is important to play in any final and that is something in the back of their minds. Ends by saying that if they play good cricket, they will progr

The stand-in captain of Bangladesh, Jaker Ali, says that it looks like a pretty dry wicket and shares that they have been doing pretty well while bowling first and hence they are going with that strategy. Stresses on batting well in this match and adds that the mindset in the camp is about playing for the championship. Informs that they have three changes in the playing XI.

TOSS - Still no Litton Das for Bangladesh as Jaker Ali walks out for the toss. The coin lands in favour of him and Bangladesh have elected to BOWL first.