Pakistan vs Bangladesh Prediction: Captain set to impress once more

Pakistan and Bangladesh have had extremely disappointing World Cups, combining for just three victories in the 12 games that they have played between them.

Pakistan can still theoretically make the semi-finals but need a miracle, whereas Bangladesh will simply be looking to restore some pride after a bruising campaign.

Babar Azam’s side will have to overcome their poor recent head-to-head record against these opponents, having lost four of the last six meetings.

Bangladesh’s loss by 87 runs against the Netherlands last time out was the biggest margin of victory by an Associate nation against a full-member side in Cricket World Cup history.

Team news

Shadab Khan is set to miss out for Pakistan after suffering a concussion, which may give Usama Mir another opportunity.

Fakhar Zaman is back to full fitness and could replace Imam-ul-Haq while Salman Ali Agha may also feature.

Bangladesh could field the same lineup that lost to the Netherlands after Shakib Al Hasan shook off neck pain last time out.

Match odds

Pakistan are 2/7 shots to end their run of four defeats in a row, while Bangladesh are 5/2 chances to pick up their second victory of the World Cup.

Babar Azam leads the top run scorer market for Pakistan at 5/2, while Litton Das is 3/1 in this category for Bangladesh.

Babar Azam to be top Pakistan batter @ 5/2

After a shaky start to this year’s World Cup, Babar Azam has shown why he is so integral to this Pakistan team, top scoring for his nation in three of their last four games.

The captain also has a solid record against Bangladesh, scoring 96 against them at Lord’s during the last World Cup.

With his side needing a win to remain alive in the tournament, take Babar to continue his good recent form and finish as the top run scorer for his country again.

Shaheen Afridi to be top Pakistan wicket taker @ 5/2

Pakistan’s stars have played well recently, but their issues have been that the supporting cast has not stepped up to play their part.

Shaheen Afridi has now finished as their top wicket-taker in three of their last four matches at this year’s tournament and looks likely to add to that total here.

The paceman had a five-wicket haul against Australia and also sported figures of 3/45 in his nation’s narrow loss to South Africa last time out.

Bangladesh could only manage a total of 142 runs at this ground on Saturday so Afridi can be confident that he will subject them to further misery here. Take him to be top Pakistan wicket taker.

You can check out our other Cricket Betting Tips on our Cricket homepage at Betfred Insights.