World Cup 2023: Bangladesh opt to bat first vs Pakistan

Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first in their seventh ICC World Cup 2023 match in Kolkata against Pakistan on Tuesday in Kolkata.

Following five defeats in six matches in the ICC World Cup 2023, Bangladesh are poised for a crucial face-off against Pakistan. A win here could potentially pave their way to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Bangladesh has struggled to demonstrate their batting prowess in the last five matches, facing an unexpected loss against the Netherlands, traditionally considered a less formidable opponent for the Tigers.

In the wake of that defeat against Netherlands in Kolkata, where a multitude of Bangladeshi fans gathered in the gallery, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan expressed a sense of helplessness. He admitted that they‍‍`re baffled as to why they haven‍‍`t been able to perform up to their potential.

But against Pakistan, Bangladesh captain promised to deliver a better performance, though it’s not going to change their fortune much in this World Cup 2023 as they are effectively out of the race for the semifinals.

Bangladesh made one change in their playing XI, adding Towhid Hridoy to replace Shak Mahide Hasan.

Bangladesh (Playing XI): Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (w), Mahmudullah Riyad, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam

Pakistan (Playing XI): Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (w), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf.