Dubai, Sept 25 (HS): The Asia Cup enters a decisive stage as Pakistan and Bangladesh lock horns in a virtual knockout fixture at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday evening. The high-stakes encounter is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm local time (8:00 pm IST), with the winner earning a spot in the final against India, led by stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Pakistan come into the contest after a comfortable win over Sri Lanka but still carry questions over their batting depth. The team looks comparatively more settled than Bangladesh, who registered a gritty bowling display against India but continue to search for their best team combination.

Bangladesh will be playing on back-to-back days, adding to the challenge. With Litton Das unavailable due to injury, the side was forced to shuffle their line-up. Saif Hassan impressed with back-to-back half-centuries, but the inconsistency of the middle order remains a major concern. Their bowlers, meanwhile, performed admirably in restricting India to just 96 runs in the final 14 overs, while their fielding too looked sharp.

With the pressure mounting, selectors face a key decision on whether to recall experienced names like Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan into the playing XI.For Pakistan, captain Salman Ali Agha will look to steady the batting, while the likes of Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, and Sam Ayub will be expected to provide a solid top order. Their bowling, spearheaded by Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf, appears well balanced for conditions in Dubai.Both sides are treating this clash as a must-win, knowing that any slip will end their campaign.

Probable XIs

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (c), Hussain Talat/Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf.

Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Zakir Ali (c & wk), Mohammad Saifuddin, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Sakib, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar