Chittagong-
After winning both matches, hosts Banglandesh have a good chance to complete a hat trick of wins when they take on Hong Kong in their last league match at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong on Thursday (March 20). This match will start at 18.30 hours (PST).
It will be the first match between the two teams in Twenty-20 World Cup as well as in Twenty-20 Internationals.
Bangladesh have won three and lost 10 in 13 matches played in Twenty-20 World Cup. Two of Bangladesh’s three victories came in the current tournament. They beat Afghanistan by 9 wickets and recorded an eight-wicket victory over Nepal.
For Bangladesh, who are almost through to the Super 10 round, the match is an opportunity to score another crushing win and enter the main draw with confidence. They could also use it for fine-tuning: Mushfiqur Rahim, Nasir Hossain and Mahmudullah need a bat so there might a shuffle in the line-up. The home side’s bowlers also need to find a way to succeed despite the heavy dew.
The pitch in Chittagong has some live grass that could help the seamers but the dew is likely to negate that advantage. The weather has been hot and humid during the day, and dew is likely to be a factor in the evening.
The first match of the day will be played between Afghanistan and Nepal. This match will start at 14.30 (PST). The winner of this match will take the second position in Group A. Both team beat Hong Kong but lost to Bangladesh.
Afganistan who lost to Bangladesh by nine wickets in the opening match, defeated Hong Kong by 7 wickets to reach thier first victory in Twenty-20 World Cup in six matches.
Nepal defeated Hong Kong by 80 runs in their opening match but lost to Bangladesh by eight wickets in the second match.
Afghanistan defeated Nepal by seven wickets when two teams met in the semi final of Twenty-20 World Cup qualifier at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on November 29, 2013. Nawroz Mangal made a brisk 48 before falling with 11 needed but Gulbadin Naib came in to strike a couple of boundaries, winning the match with a six.
PERFORMANCE IN TWENTY-20 CRICKET:
Team P W L Success%
Bangladesh 35 11 24 31.42
Hong Kong 2 – 2 00.00
Bang v H.K – – – –
Team P W L Success%
Afghanistan 24 12 12 50.00
Nepal 2 1 1 50.00
Afgh v Nepal – – – –