ICC World Cup 2019: BAN vs PAK; Three players to watch out for

Two Asian giants, Pakistan and Bangladesh lock horns against each other in the ICC World Cup 2019 on Friday.  Both teams are out of contention for the semi-finals but the match still holds importance as this is the last game of the showpiece tournament for both the teams.

Also there are plenty of superstar players in  both teams which are sure to elevate the contest with their enthralling performance. In this game, watch out for these three player battles as they will shape the fate of this contest.

#3. Highest run-scorer versus highest wicket taker: Mohammad Hafeez versus Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan in on song in this tournament so far. He is in tremendous form and he will back himself against Pakistan as he is the highest wicket taker for Bangladesh against Pakistan.

And to stop him, Pakistan will bank on Mohammad Hafeez who has scored the most runs against Bangladesh as a Pakistan batsman from the current squad. Hafeez bats at number four which means he will be Pakistan’s anchor in the middle overs. But will he overcome the Shakib threat?

Shakib Al Hasan vs Pakistan:

Bowling average: 30.61

Total wickets: 21

Bowling strike rate: 40.80

Mohammad Hafeez vs Bangladesh:

Batting average: 25.07

Total runs: 351

Batting strike rate: 61.90

#2. Highest run-scorer versus highest wicket taker: Tamim Iqbal vs Mohammad Hafeez:

The Professor, Mohammad Hafeez is not just important for Pakistan in terms of batting, he is crucial with the ball as well. Hafeez has the highest number of wickets against Bangladesh from the current Pakistan squad  and he will have to stop Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh’ top run scorer against Pakistan.

Tamim hasn’t played according to his potential yet and he will be eager to finish the tournament with a killer blow.

Mohammad Hafeez vs Bangladesh:

Bowling average: 26.00

Total wickets: 13

Bowling strike rate: 43.00

Tamim Iqbal vs Pakistan:

Batting average: 45.06

Total runs: 676

Batting strike rate: 86.44

Also read: ICC World Cup 2019: BAN vs PAK Dream11 Captain; Three players to watch out for 

#1. The best performer versus the best performer: Babar vs Mustafizur:

With three fifties and one hundred, Babar Azam has led Pakistan’s batting department in the World Cup. He has played with elegance and everytime he has come to bat he has looked dangerous.

On the other hand, Mustafizur Rahman has quietly stamped his authority with his leg-cutters and accuracy.  His contest against Babar will be an exciting one.

Mustafizur Rahman (In World Cup 2019):

Total wickets: 15

Bowling average: 27.26

Bowling strike-rate: 24.8

Babar Azam (In World Cup 2019):

Total runs: 378

Batting strike rate: 85.52

Batting average: 63.00