Bangladesh and Pakistan meet in T20 World Cup Group-A match at the Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia on Saturday. Pakistan have endured a typically nightmarish year since they lifted this trophy, but have a chance to redeem themselves in the Caribbean. Venue and conditions: We can expect the pitch at the Beausejour Stadium to conform to the recent Caribbean trend for dry, slow spin-friendly wickets. There is also a possibility of meteorological intervention with thunder showers common in St Lucia at this time of year. Trivia:  Pakistan have won 73% of their Twenty20 matches, a higher percentage than any other country  Team News:  Bangladesh: Bangladesh toured the Caribbean last year so will be very familiar with the conditions. They won all 3 ODI’s against a very weak West Indies side who were missing all their star players due to an internal dispute but worryingly, they did lose the only T20 on that particular tour. The excellent Shakib Al Hasan skippers the side and the squad is still a very young one with the majority of their players aged 25 and under. Tamim Iqbal is a key man at the top of the order, on his day he can score extremely quickly but needs to add consistency to harness his undoubted talent. Mashrafe Mortaza will spearhead their attack, but it remains to be seen whether the Tigers pick their other quick Rubel Hossain or pack their bowling attack with spinners.They have plenty of slow bowling options which will no doubt be called upon in double quick time if the pace bowlers prove expensive. After losing to Ireland in the first group stage in last year’s tournament, it is hard to be confident of their chances but the overall trend in performance level of Bangladesh shows promise and they could be dangerous opponents if Pakistan gives them a sniff.        Pakistan: Pakistan have to defend their crown and this will be their first major test since the upheaval of changing captains and the suspensions dished out to senior players last year. Younis Khan is gone and Boom Boom Afridi takes over as skipper.Abdul … [Read more...]