Firecrackers and a big party looms large for Bangladesh cricket fans as they are eager to see their national team complete a series whitewash against Pakistan, who have already lost the ODI series, 2-0 with the third ODI set to be played on Wednesday at Shere Bangla National Stadium.
The Tigers have played some tremendous cricket in their last two ODI matches against Pakistan, with Bangladesh having outplayed the men in green in all facets of the game.
Though Pakistan, one of the big teams in world cricket, only have pride to play for, expect the men in green to come hard and try to salvage some pride by finishing the series on a high with a respectable 2-1 record in the series. But the quality of cricket that has been put forth by Bangladesh in the series might make it a difficult task for Pakistan.
The Tigers have good enough reasons to believe that they can pull of a series win especially after they defeated Pakistan comprehensively by 79 runs and 7 wickets in first and second ODI respectively.
"We had two near-perfect performances in the first two games. If we continue in this manner, we have a chance to make it 3-0," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Bangladeshi skipper, Mashrafe Mortaza as saying.
The hero of the series so far has been Tamim Iqbal, who has dominated the Pakistan bowlers. The batsman may not have had a good World Cup in Australia and New Zealand but he has taken the attack to the Pakistan bowlers playing some aggressive cricket.
This is the Tamim Iqbal the world knows and fears as well.
The left hander has scored back to back centuries in the first and the second ODI and with the form he is in, one cannot rule out another century. It could be a dream for Iqbal.
One fails to understand whether it is the failure of the Pakistani bowlers or the pitch not assisting their bowlers, but one thing is for sure that the team's lack of experience is showing. Azhar Ali, the new captain has not been able to bring the best out of this new look team.
With such inexperience, one might witness Umar Gul coming into the team, replacing Rahat Ali and leading from the front in the bowling department. His expertise will certainly help the team.
But it is not only their bowlers and even batsmen have struggled in the series with none of the batsman looking at ease. Only their skipper has showed decent form with 72 and 36 runs in the first and second ODI respectively.
Pakistan spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed feels it is just a matter of one good innings for this young Pakistan team.
"We have a new team with plenty of youngsters. It is a matter of one good innings and one very good spell can turn everything. We will play hard and positive cricket," said Ahmed.
Where to Watch Live
The third ODI between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled for 2:30pm local time (2pm IST, 1:30pm PST, 10:30am BMT, 4:30am ET) start with live TV coverage in India on Star Sports 1.
Pakistani viewers can watch the game live on PTV Sports and it can be followed online as well on Geo Super.
Bangladesh viewers can watch the match on Gazi TV, while cricket fans in the USA can watch the game live on Willow TV.
People in Europe can watch it live on Super Sport.
