Importance not lost on Mash
It was in April 2015 when the two teams last met in 50-over cricket and Bangladesh simply knocked Pakistan out to whitewash them in the three-match ODI series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
When they meet at Edgbaston today, that memory might not have any relevance considering the fact that they are simply going to play a warm-up match where a team can even field all fifteen members. However, Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed said yesterday during an official press conference ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy that both teams would want to win.
"Over the past one-and-a-half years, Bangladesh have performed very well. The warm-up game is a good opportunity for both teams before the Champions Trophy. Both teams want to win so it's a good practice match to have. Over the past few years they've done well and we'll see its batsmen, like Tamim Iqbal, if we play in the semifinals," said Sarfraz.
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza also stressed the significance of the match, saying it would be an important step to adjusting with the conditions.
"The practice match tomorrow is important. We played in Ireland and the conditions and weather seem totally different after coming here. So we have to adjust through these two [practice] matches so we can be ready before the important matches arrive," said Mashrafe during a press conference yesterday.
The Bangladesh skipper rated his opponents highly, saying they would be one of the contenders for the trophy.
"You never know. If you go by the history of Pakistan they are always a big side. In this sort of tournament the big sides are always under pressure. My gut feeling is that they are a very good side and they can destroy any team. So yes they have a very good chance in this tournament," he opined.
Bangladesh had a good tri-series in Ireland where most of the batsmen got runs and the bowlers did decent job, but ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was off-colour with the bat and he may take the chance in the warm-up game to get back among runs.
The Tigers will play their second and final warm-up match against India on May 30 at the Kennington Oval, where they will also play their first group match against England on June 1.