Bangladesh gear up for Asif attack

Mohammad Asif: set for a comeback after a six-month break...

Match facts

Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Start time 15:00 local time (10:00 GMT)

The Big Picture

Bangladesh have yet to win a match, let alone a series, in Pakistan. Their previous trip was a 5-0 sweep and with their captain, Mohammad Ashraful, short of runs and under severe criticism from certain quarters, are struggling to compete. The third ODI in Lahore was the most competitive match so far but Bangladesh still don't look like pulling one off.

'Powerless in Multan' screamed a headline in a national daily after power-cuts across the city prompted riots but the situation is unlikely to affect the fourth ODI. While Bangladesh have plenty to look forward to in this series, Pakistan will want to continue their dominance and not give up the winning habit.

Form guide - Pakistan

Last five matches - WWWWW

Player to watch: Mohammad Asif's return may spell more trouble for Bangladesh, given his expertise with swing and seam. An elbow injury kept him out of the side for six months but he's recovered just in time for the final two games. He made a comeback to competitive cricket last week, bowling in a domestic limited-overs match in Karachi, and could well be a potent threat to Bangladesh's trigger-happy batsmen.

Form guide - Bangladesh

Last five matches - WWLLL

Player to watch: Shakib Al Hasan's plucky 75 in the previous game did plenty to prove Bangladesh aren't a total walkover. Batting with the lower order, he kept strike with some excellent running and though his shots weren't always pretty, he kept Bangladesh in the hunt chasing a big total. His handling of the quicks was superb as was his ability to score at a healthy rate. His bowling too was handy, and two wickets checked what looked a massive total. Definitely the bright spot from Bangladesh's brief stay in Lahore.

Team news

Asif's return could mean a rest for Rao Iftikhar Anjum but Pakistan are likely to stick to the batting line-up that amassed 309 in Lahore. Naumanullah, recently included at the expense of the injured Nasir Jamshed, might have to wait his chance with Bazid Khan being given another opportunity in Multan. Shahriar Nafees will struggle to keep his spot, after a poor series, and could be replaced by Junaid Siddique or Nazimuddin.

Pakistan (likely) 1 Salman Butt, 2 Nasir Jamshed, 3 Bazid Khan, 4 Mohammad Yousuf, 5 Shoaib Malik (capt), 6 Misbah-ul-Haq, 7 Shahid Afridi, 8 Kamran Akmal (wk), 9 Rao Iftikhar, 10 Sohail Khan, 11 Sohail Tanvir

Bangladesh (likely) 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Shahriar Nafees, 3 Aftab Ahmed, 4 Mohammad Ashraful (capt), 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Mashrafe Mortaza, 8 Farhad Reza, 9 Dhiman Ghosh (wk), 10 Syed Rasel, 11 Abdur Razzak

Pitch and conditions

Rains lashed down on Monday, adding more confusion to the electricity situation, and showers are forecast for the match day too. The pitch in Multan is usually brown and flat and one could expect another run-feast if the match goes to conclusion.

Stats and trivia

In the four day-night matches so far the team batting second has won on three occasions. Pakistan haven't enjoyed major home advantage at this ground - winning three matches and losing as many. Quotes "I have said it before, I like this combination of Akmal and Butt opening and they showed it in the last game. We will stick to this one." Shoaib Malik

Pakistan v Bangladesh, 4th ODI, Multan