New Delhi: Hosts Bangladesh take on Pakistan in an intense encounter knowing a win could see them through to the final of the ongoing Asia Cup held at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday.


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Bangladesh had a superb win against struggling Sri Lanka in their last game and that would have boosted their confidence going into this match. They will also have the backing of the crowd and need to back themselves to set up a finale clash against India.


Pakistan, who suffered a heartbreaking loss against India, saw themselves getting stretched for a victory against minnows United Arab Emirates. The Shahid Afridi-led side will be keen to up the tempo in this game knowing a loss would mean exit.


Their bowling will be the key once again led by the young Mohammad Amir.


Here is all you need to know ahead of the tie:


Probable playing XIs


Bangladesh XI: Soumya Sarkar, Tamim Iqbal, Sabbir Rahman, Imrul Kayes, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Taskin Ahmed, Al-Amin Hossain, Nasir Hossain/Arafat Sunny


Pakistan XI: Mohammad Hafeez, Sharjeel Khan, Khurram Manzoor, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Shahid Afridi (c), Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Sami, Wahab Riaz


Form guide: Pakistan have won just two of their last 5 matches, while Bangladesh have lost 2 and won 3.


Pitch: The pitch in Mirpur has seen low scores so far and the same is expected. Pacers will be looking to excel here and there will be something for the spinners as well. Batsmen need to be wary of the bounce and respect the conditions in order to hang in there and play shots.


Team news: Pacer Mustafizur Rahman's injury serves Bangaldesh a big blow. One between the two spinning options of Nasir Hossain/Arafat Sunny is likely to play. Tamim Iqbal makes a return and will replace struggling Md Mithun.


Pakistan have no injury worries and are likely to field an unchanged XI.


Timing and TV listing: 7:00 pm (IST) Star Sports 1, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3 HD


Live Streaming: Starsports.com, Hotstar