Ajmal offers amazing World Cup value to down Bangladesh

Saeed Ajmal has already been the scourge of New Zealand at this year’s T20 World Cup and there is no reason to suggest that he will not be equally as disruptive with the ball against Bangladesh.

Ajmal took 4-30 to lead Pakistan to victory over New Zealand and another triumph over Bangladesh at 2/7 would see them progress to the Super Eights as group winners.

In Pakistan’s favour is that they have won all five of their career T20 encounters with Bangladesh.

Bangladesh are not mathematically out of the World Cup yet, but to progress at the expense of Pakistan not only will they have to win at Pallekele, but also by a margin greater than 36 runs to sufficiently boost their net run rate.

It is 11/4 that Bangladesh do beat Pakistan for the first time in this format and if they are to make history, much will depend on how well they get on top of the spin of Ajmal.

Although the quicker bowlers are having some joy on the sub-continental pitches of Sri Lanka, it is spin that is largely expected be most deadly.

And certainly the handicap line of 1.5 wickets looks increasingly generous in relation to Ajmal, who should have little trouble claiming a minimum of two dismissals at 5/6.

Ajmal has taken at least two wickets in each of his last six T20 international games and will bowl the latter overs, where the Bangladesh batsman will be taking even more risks in pursuit of big runs.

This opens the door for more stumpings off his bowling with batsmen advancing down the wicket or holing out in the deep as they chase boundaries.

Another strong performance with the ball could additionally add some appeal to the 8/1 that Ajmal waltzes off with the man of the match award.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing