BANGLADESH vs PAKISTAN

The Pakistani team is resolute in their efforts to salvage their struggling ICC Cricket World Cup journey by defeating their South Asian counterparts, Bangladesh, at the renowned Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata. With their group-stage elimination looming, a victory on Tuesday is crucial to maintain even a faint possibility of advancing to the semifinals.

Pakistan's campaign has been marred by reports of non-payment and conflicts between the country's cricket board and players, in addition to suffering four defeats in six games thus far.

Bradburn addressed the media on Monday, emphasizing the team's focus on preparation and giving their best. Despite great expectations, the team has struggled in their campaign, with wins over the Netherlands and Sri Lanka followed by defeats to India, Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa. Bradburn acknowledged the team's disappointment in their current position, with a poor net run-rate and a lack of control over their destiny. However, he emphasized the importance of controlling what they can, namely preparing well for their remaining pool games and hoping for fate to be on their side for a potential semifinal spot. Despite facing a tough challenge from Bangladesh, who have also struggled in the tournament, Bradburn remains optimistic about his team's chances.

Bradburn stated that although they are a quality group of cricketers, they have made adequate preparations to face them.

Bangladesh captain Shakib al-Hasan cautioned his team members about the insignificance of mere words and urged them to demonstrate their commitment on the field in order to salvage their bruised pride at the World Cup.

"We deliberated on this matter extensively during our team meetings, engaging in thorough discussions. However, it is imperative that we translate our words into tangible actions, as empty talk holds no value when it fails to yield results," stated Shakib.

Head-to-head record:

Pakistan has a dominant head-to-head record against Bangladesh in one-day internationals, having won 33 matches and lost only five. However, in their recent encounters, Bangladesh has managed to win four out of the last six matches against Pakistan.

Both teams have faced each other twice in the ICC Cricket World Cup. In 1999, Bangladesh caused an upset by defeating Pakistan in England. However, Pakistan got their revenge in the 2019 World Cup when they emerged victorious in a match played in the same country.

Form:

Both teams enter this match with disappointing performances in the tournament so far. They will be eager to turn their form around and salvage their campaign.

Bangladesh's recent form has been poor, with a string of consecutive losses (L L L L L). On the other hand, Pakistan has also struggled, but managed to secure a win in their last match (L L L L W).

Predicted XIs:

The expected line-up for Bangladesh includes Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib al-Hasan as the captain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam.

Pakistan's predicted XI consists of Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam as the captain, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf as the 11th player.

"Therefore, we shall exhibit our determination and resolve on the cricket ground, allowing our actions to speak for themselves and enabling everyone to witness our efforts. It is solely within our power to alter the team's current predicament through our performances. This is precisely what we are striving to achieve."