T20 World Cup: Pak vs Ban (Analysis) -- Who will qualify for Super Eight Stage??

Its about just more than nine hours before starting the match between Bangladesh and Pakistan - the last encounter of the initial stage of 2012 ICC World Twenty20 and undoubtedly the most important match of Group D as the result will decide that which team will go through to the Super Eight (Super8/S8) stage.

Both teams have their own chances but Bangla tigers have to play exceptional game and if they want to qualify for Super8 then they have to produce some extraordinary performances in bowling or batting (or in both departments).

According to present scenario; in first two matches of the Group D, Bangladesh lost heavily to Kiwis and running very low with a Net Run Rate (NRR) of -2.95, while Pakistan managed to win narrowly from New Zealand and has a positive NRR i.e. +0.65.

The situation above clearly tells us that Bangladesh needs to produce a performance that will cover the difference between these NRR's of btoth teams. In simple words they not simply need to win the match but they have to create a minimum NRR difference of 1.81 in this specific match.

Let's have a situation analysis below to understand it comprehensively:

1. Pakistan Batting First: Pakistan bat first and scores exactly 150 (7.5 runs/over) then Bangladesh would have to get the target in 16 overs to throw Pakistan out of the tournament.
2. Pakistan Batting First: Pakistan bat first and scores exactly 120 (6.0 runs/over) then Bangladesh would have to get the target in 15.2 overs to qualify for the Super8 stage.

In above situations Bangladesh have to produce exceptional performance in both batting and bowling departments; first to get Pakistan's strong batting lineup out on as low as 120/150 and then they would have someone in their batting lineup who will be capable enough to score at a high pace against Pakistan's strong bowling attack.

1. Bangladesh Batting First: Bangladesh bat first and scores exactly 150 (7.5 runs/over) then Bangladesh would have to get the opposition out for 113 or below to throw them out of the tournament.
2. Bangladesh Batting First: Bangladesh bat first and scores exactly 180 (9.0 runs/over) then Bangladesh would have to get the opposition out for 143 or below to qualify for the Super8 stage.

Once again; in these situations Bangladesh have to produce exceptional performance in both batting and bowling departments; first to get a high total of 150/180 and then curtail Pakistan well below targets.

It seems an uphill task for Bangla tigers but no one can say its "IMPOSSIBLE" as cricket is 'by chance' and T20 cricket is even more 'by chance'. One extraordinary performance in batting or bowling can get Bangladesh through to the next stage.

Let's see, fingers crossed.