England and Bangladesh carry similar fortunes into match 12 of the 2019 Cricket World Cup in Cardiff.
The hosts and tournament favourites suffered a shock defeat to Pakistan in their second game after Wahab Riaz struck at the death to confirm their fate.
Bangladesh were edged by New Zealand in a closely-fought game where Mashrafe Mortaza’s men almost stole two points after the Kiwis left it late to seal the win.
A reversal in fortunes is the prize for both teams as they take the field on Saturday. We take a look at some of the taking points.
Can Bangladesh repeat the heroics of 2015?
When these two last faced each other in the 2015 edition, the underdogs ran away with the bragging rights, propelling themselves within touching distance of a spot in the semi-finals.
Bangladesh successfully defended a total of 275 at the Adelaide Oval, courtesy of a spectacular performance from Rubel Hossain.
Mahmudullah starred with the bat, scoring a century to help his team overcome a poor start that saw them reeling at 8/2.
Will Bangladesh cause yet another upset over the hosts, that could also help them get the winning momentum back? They have displayed against South Africa that they are capable of such a feat.
Pacers relish new ball assistance
Match-winning performances on the Cardiff pitch from the likes of Nuwan Pradeep and Lasith Malinga against Afghanistan and Matt Henry against Sri Lanka is evidence that a strong pace attack could be the key to a win on Saturday.
An intimidating line-up led by Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes hands England the edge, given the conditions. Captain Mortaza will have to lead from the front for the spin-reliant Bangladesh side.
Of the four innings played at Cardiff this World Cup, three have ended with the batting side losing all their wickets. A high-scoring game is unlikely on what looks to be a great bowling surface.
The performance of the openers could hence play a crucial part in determining which team gets the two points.
Selection dilemma for England?
We will look to bounce back against Bangladesh in Cardiff.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 3, 2019
Scorecard: https://t.co/AYQyqCveSm#WeAreEngland#CWC19#ExpressYourself pic.twitter.com/yDo7S8xLtE
A selection dilemma born out of excessive talent is a dream for every team and England could face such a headache in their bowling department.
Liam Plunkett started against South Africa, with Mark Wood sidelined due to injury. The 30-year-old did well to remove Hashim Amla and Quiton de Kock when the latter looked on course for a big score that could have helped the Proteas in their run-chase.
Wood too scalped a brace on his return against Pakistan, including the important wicket of Mohammad Hafeez who was in rampaging mood.
Both bowlers can make a case to start against Bangladesh and it will be interesting to see who will make the cut. With the pitch assisting pacers, the possibility of both players starting at the cost of Adil Rashid – who has been quiet in both games so far – can’t be ruled out.
