Tigers set for happy ending beating Pakistan today

Bangladesh take on Pakistan in the battle of prestige today at the Home of Cricket, Lord's. The 43rd clash of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is the clash of formalities for Tigers and match of impossibility for Pakistan which will kick off at 3:30pm (BST).
Bangladesh started the World Cup journey beating South Africa by 21 runs on June 2 but they lost next two matches against New Zealand and England on June 2 and 8 respectively. The rain made the days harder for Tigers since they had to share point with Sri Lanka remaining clearly ahead. Shakib and his mates crushed West Indies by seven wickets on June 17 before conceding 48 runs defeat against Australia chasing the run pile of 381. Then they bang Afghanistan by 62 runs to keep semi-final hopes alive but losing a close match to India by 28 runs on July 2 ensured Tigers exit from World Cup before their  Pakistan face off.
Pakistan on the other hand, were victorious over England, South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan. They also shared one point with Sri Lanka and are at five of the table having nine points. If they beat Bangladesh at least by 316 runs they will qualify to the semifinals by virtue of surplus run rate with same 11 points that New Zealand have. So, only a miracle can qualify Pakistan to the last four.
Bangladesh are the most consistent side of the tournament in terms of performances and they have fought in all the matches though have registered three victories only. They are undoubtedly favourites today despite injury threat in the tent. Mahmudullah missed the crucial India clash for calf strain who is still uncertain today. Further disappointment hanged on Tigers as the second most consistent Tigers batsman in the tournament Mushfiqur Rahim sustained injury yesterday while practicing. His availability for today's match is yet to be confirmed till the time of writing this.
Cricket World however, must keep their eyes on Shakib Al Hasan, who has been flying high with both bat and ball. The number-1 all-rounder in the world is the second leading scorer of the tournament with 542 runs. He also has 11 scalps with the ball. He is the antique performer to have 500 plus World Cup runs backed by 10 plus wickets in a specific tournament. He must try to write his swan song with even high notes today. Another area of Tigers confidence is Mustafizur Rahman's rejuvenated form, who became the fourth fastest bowler in the world to have 100 wickets. He hauled his first World Cup five wickets against India on June 2.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Amir can be trump cards of the day from Pakistan perspective. Besides, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq and Wahab Riaz need to feat their character to win the game.
Head to head stat keeps Tigers ahead despite their five wins against 31 defeats. But four of the Bangladesh success stories were written from last five facings including the latest meet in Asia Cup. Bangladesh thumped Pakistan by 37 runs in Dubai last year.  The two sides met in World Cup once before today and that was in 1999 in Northampton where Tigers humiliated Pakistan by 62 runs.
The Lord's ground is ready to host a shiny battle since weather forecast shows no interruption and toss winning side must prefer to chase considering the early swing for pacers here.