Angelo Mathews and company would be hoping for a favour from Pakistan.

Bangladesh have lost their last three T20Is chasing. Pakistan would have done well to take note of that.

Arish: "Pakistan will also note that they lost when Bangladesh chased their score a year ago at this very venue. There are only three survivors from that match - Afridi, Hafeez, and Sarfraz."

 

Shahid Afridi calls right, Pakistan opt to bat. Anwar Ali comes in, Mohammad Nawaz goes out.Mashrafe Mortaza says he would have also liked to bat. Tamim and Arafat Sunny are in, while Nurul Hasan and Mustafizur go out.

Ameen Gupta: "Both Pakistan and Bangladesh are jittery while chasing. Despite the dew factor, they are willing to bat first. Other teams in World Cup- take note."

Arish: "Why would you play Khurram Manzoor, where he went for a duck against the UAE. Please don't let Khurram become another Nasir Jamshed."

6:55 pm Surprise, surprise. Not a single blade of glass on the Sher-e-Bangla deck. In stark contrast to the track that was prepared for the India-Pakistan clash. This should be a flat batting deck, so expect a high-scoring contest. Gamini Silva, the chief curator, is busy with the finishing touches. VVS Laxman reckons there could be a hint of turn as the game progresses.

Avadhesh: "Smart work by curator. No grass will somewhat negate Pakistan pace battery and its perfect use of home advantage by Bangladesh. And to think, everybody has an issue when Dhoni demands for the same home advantage"

 

6:40pm Evening, everyone. Pakistan are in a do-or-die battle, while Bangladesh have an opportunity to secure their berth in the final. Decent temperatures for cricket, but heavy dew has had an influence on matches so far, so the toss could be vital. Hopefully that doesn't dampen the contest. Toss and team updates shortly.

Pakistan have been a bit edgy, which is a bit of a surprise considering most of their players participated in the PSL. You'd think all of them are in sync, but perhaps they've also hadn't had the opportunity to train as a unit, unlike the other sides who have been playing regularly. Bangladesh, on the other hand, put aside their T20 conservatism and took the game against Sri Lanka by the collar.

Bangladesh have been dealt a blow courtesy an injury to Mustafizur Rahman , but they would gladly welcome Tamim Iqbal into their ranks. His form at the top will be crucial in their build-up towards the World T20. Mohammad Mithun could miss out as a result.

There's a bit of pressure on Shahid Afridi. His place as captain has come under the scanner, and there's no better way to silence everyone than deliver in a crunch game. They could could take out Khurram Manzoor and include Imad Wasim