The second day of the ICC World T20 Cup will be see four Asian teams fight it out, with the second game between Pakistan and Bangladesh at Beausejour Stadium in Gros Islet in St Lucia. This is a Group A encounter, which will also see Australia.

Under most circumstances, prediction in a T20 encounter is fraught with the perils of the game swing pendulums, with no regard for any favourites. But, it will be even more difficult here, because, despite Pakistan going into the game as huge favourites as the defending champions (3/10 at Bwin), their opposition, Bangladesh (3/1 at Boylesports) possess the capability to shock the best of the teams on their day. And with a huge line-up of spinners in their kitty, the match could go either way.

The Pakistani batsmen have a tendency of going after the bowling from the word go, but on these Caribbean pitches they may have to exhibit some kind of restrain. This is why, I will be surprised if I see Shahid Afridi (6/1 at Sky Bet to top-score for his side) batting at the top of the order, while getting in the talented guys like Umar Akmal (9/2 at Blue Square to be the best batsman for his side) early could be a good idea.

One gets the sense that Mohammad Hafeez (5/1 at Bet Fred) may also be afforded an extended opportunity in the tournament for his all-round skills, while Salman Butt (4/1 at Sky Bet, both, to top-score for their side) will need to bat through the innings.

Bangladesh will rely on their stroke players, but considerable will have to be obviously shown. This is why, one gets the sense that a rather rash batsman like Mohammad Ashraful (9/2 at Totesport to be the best batsman) could be sent further down the order, towards the end of the innings, instead of at the top. On the other hand, Tamim Iqbal (3/1 at 888Sport to top-score for Bangladesh) has gone through the form of his life and despite the break and the injury issues, he could be a vital cog in the batting. Imrul Kayes (9/2 at Blue Square) should seal the opening berth with him, but the biggest worry for Bangladesh will be the lack of runs from Shakib al Hasan’s (6/1 at Totesport, both to top-score for their side) bat.

Tips:
Favourites: Pakistan (3/10 at Bwin)
Top Pakistan batsman: Salman Butt (4/1 at Sky Bet)
Top Bangladesh batsman: Tamim Iqbal (3/1 at 888Sport)