Summary Pakistan face Bangladesh in the Asian Games semifinal in Nisshin on Thursday. A washout would send Pakistan into the final based on its higher ranking.
NISSHIN (Dunya News) – Pakistan and Bangladesh will face each other in the semifinal of the Asian Games cricket event on Thursday, with the match scheduled to begin at 5:00 a.m. Pakistan time in Nisshin, Japan.
As in the quarterfinals, Pakistan will qualify for the final on the basis of its superior ranking if rain prevents the semifinal from being played. Bangladesh also advanced to the last four after its quarterfinal against Malaysia was abandoned due to rain.
However, favorable weather and sunshine are forecast for match day, raising hopes of a full contest between the two sides.
Bangladesh will enter the semifinal with confidence after showing consistent form in recent matches. Tanzid Hasan could play an important role with the bat, while Towhid Hridoy has also been in good form. The team will rely on a strong top order led by captain Litton Das.
For Pakistan, captain Sahibzada Farhan will look to provide a strong start to the innings, while Hasan Nawaz and Usman Khan are available to provide aggressive batting in the middle and lower order.
Muaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas could also make valuable contributions with the bat.
Bangladesh have an experienced bowling unit, with Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan and Mosaddek Hossain expected to handle the spin department.
Pakistan will pin its hopes on Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed with the ball.
