While PNG have been knocked out of the qualification race for the Super 12 round, Bangladesh are still in the hunt. After being stunned by Scotland in a close game, they came back well to defeat Oman. While Scotland are well-placed with two wins in as many games, Bangladesh and Oman have one win each. Hence, Bangladesh will have to defeat PNG is stay in contention to qualify. As for PNG, they would like to bow out on a high by putting up a competitive performance.
Bangladesh were highly impressive against Oman with both bat and ball. After losing a couple of early wickets, they recovered well with the bat courtesy half-centuries from Mohammad Naim and Shakib Al Hasan. When it was it their turn to defend, Mustafizur Rahman (4/36) and Shakib (3/28) lifted their game while Mohammad Saifuddin was brilliant, conceding only 16 runs in his four overs.
PNG gave a good account of themselves although they went down to Scotland in their previous match. Kabua Morea (4/31) and Chad Soper (3/24) were excellent with the ball. Norman Vanua made a fine 47 in response but PNG fell short in a valiant chase of 166. The newcomers would want to gain some valuable experience in the match against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s Predicted XI: Liton Das, Mohammad Naim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (c), Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
PNG’s Predicted XI: Tony Ura, Assad Vala (c), Charles Amini, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sese Bau, Simon Atai, Kiplin Doriga (wk), Nosaina Pokana, Damien Ravu, Kabua Morea
Top Fantasy picks for Bangladesh vs PNG clash: Mohammad Naim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Assad Vala, Norman Vanua, Kabua Morea
--Renin Wilben Albert