Pakistan have shown their spirit of bouncing back defeating Zimbabwe in the previous match. They must defeat United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the next match to keep hope alive for the quarter-finals. It will be an advantage for Pakistan if they can win this match with big difference as currently their run rate is not good.

Pakistan is expected to get an easy win against UAE but Cricket is a game of uncertainty. Though UAE lost their first three matches, they gave a good fight with Zimbabwe and Ireland.

Pakistan showed poor fielding, but their batting and bowling strength is quite good. It does not seem that UAE will be able to fight strong against Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Australia will clearly be ahead of Afghanistan in the other match. Australia is now ferocious inside like a wounded tiger after tasting the defeat against New Zealand at the last moment in the last match. I think Afghanistan will be the victim of that ferocity.

Australia still have not secured quarter-finals. A big-difference win against Afghans will have a great impact in securing that. It does not seem that Afghanistan will be able to fight with Australia who are in flying mood.

Afghans are also highly spirited with their first World Cup win against Scotland. They will try to do well using that spirit against Australia.

Minhajul Abedin Nannu: Selector of Bangladesh Cricket Board and former captain of Bangladesh cricket team. He is the first Man of the Match of Bangladesh in World Cup.

Translated by Bijoy Chandra Shaha