It might have been the high-point of their campaign but now Pakistan enters their final game of the ICC World Cup against Bangladesh at Lord’s on Friday (July 5) with a near-impossible chance of reaching the semifinal. England’s win over New Zealand on Wednesday means Pakistan will need to beat their Asian rivals by over 300 runs — 311 in particular — if they aspire to leave the Black Caps behind on net run-rate.
Sarfaraz Ahmed & team would know that a shocking loss in the opening game of the tournament, when they were bundled out for just 105 by the West Indies has come back to haunt them in the end. Currently placed fifth with nine points from eight matches, Pakistan faces the challenge of beating Bangladesh by 311 runs after posting 350 or by 316 runs after scoring 400. If they are forced to bat second, Pakistan’s chances slip to practically zero.
However, that doesn’t mean this contest will be taken lightly by either of the sides. There is no love lost between Pakistan and Bangladesh — both historically and on the cricket field. One of Bangladesh’s most famous wins was over Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup in Manchester, before they got their Test status.
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