Big picture – Déjà vu for Malaysia at the Asian Games
Because of the seeding rules at the Asian Games, the higher-ranked side will qualify if the game is washed out: in this case, that team is obviously Bangladesh, who have sent a full-strength squad in their bid for a medal.
The Nisshin surfaces have hosted low-scoring contests so far, which means that in case Malaysia and Bangladesh do take the field, Malaysia’s bowlers – with their prior experience playing against Hong Kong – could make it a close contest again.
Malaysia WLLLW (last five completed games, most recent first)
Bangladesh WWLLL
In the spotlight: Tanzid Hasan and Virandeep Singh
Malaysia’s dominance in their only Asian Games fixture that played out means it is likely they will stick with the same XI.
Malaysia (probable): 1 Muhammad Haziq Aiman, Syed Aziz (c), Virandeep Singh, Muhamad Syahadat, Muhammad Amir, Ainool Hafizs (wk), Muhammad Wafiq, Pavandeep Singh, Sharvin Muniandy, Muhammad Akram, Vijay Unni
Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Litton Das (c), 3 Parvez Hossain Emon (wk), 4 Towhid Hridoy (c), 5 Yasir Ali, 6 Mosaddek Hossain 7 Rishad Hossain, 8 Al Islam, 9 Mahedi Hasan, 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Hasan Mahmud
Pitch and conditions: Rain in the air in Nisshin
The Nisshin ground remains under covers with no cricket played for the past three days. The game is scheduled to be the second quarter-final of the day, starting at 2pm local time. However, rain is forecast till at least until 6pm local time, which means the game might be washed out, alongside a tantalising Nepal-Sri Lanka contest earlier in the day.
“I have played for the Bangladesh team for a long time, but it is my first time playing in the Asian Games. We are always targeting trophies but this time the big dream is to win the gold medal. All the players are really excited about it. As a player I will also have my expectations. I can tell you that all the players are eager about this tournament.”
Bangladesh captain Litton Das on his first appearance at the Asian Games
