Asia Cup, 2023: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Preview

For a time, ODI cricket has been Bangladesh's forte. In this format, Bangladesh undoubtedly represents a threat, particularly in subcontinental circumstances. Few people anticipated Bangladesh would lose so easily in their opening match of the season, especially considering Sri Lanka's own bowling shortage. Due to the nature of the competition, one defeat might put you in danger of being eliminated. And as a result of that demoralizing defeat in their opening game, Bangladesh is now in a must-win circumstance.

Afghanistan entered the 2023 Asia Cup fresh off of a 0-3 loss to Pakistan in Sri Lanka. The first and third games of the series were outplayed by Hashmatullah Shahidi's team. Although they ultimately lost by one wicket with one ball remaining in the second match at Hambantota, they gave Pakistan a strong fight. The opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, which totaled 227 runs in this match, will be crucial to Afghanistan's hopes against Bangladesh.

Shakib al Hasan and his team will like to get over their disappointing performance against Sri Lanka in the previous encounter. Against Sri Lanka, they had a batting collapse and lost by 5 wickets. For the side, this is a game of life and death. The Bangladeshi captain wants the team's seasoned players to rise to the occasion after they just lost the home series against Afghanistan. 

The injury of Litton Das is a major setback for the team, and Mohammad Naim and Tanzid Hasan will need to play well in this match. A powerful batting order, including Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahedi Hasan, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, will attempt to score runs quickly.

In the previous game, the bowling attack played effectively while defending a low total. Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam are expected to put up a strong performance with the new ball for their team. The most seasoned bowlers in the lineup, Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib, must perform well in this match. For the team to succeed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mahedi Hasan must perform well in supporting roles. 

Date & Time : Sep 03, 02:30 PM LOCAL, 3:00 PM IST

Venue : Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Pitch Report : In the most recent ODI and T20I matches played in Lahore, Pacers had a significant impact. On the day of the match, warm weather is anticipated without any rain delays.

Squads Afghanistan Squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Gulbadin Naib, Riaz Hassan, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Rashid Khan, Abdul Rahman, Najibullah Zadran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, Suliman Safi

Bangladesh Squad: Mohammad Naim, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan(c), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Afif Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Shamim Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nasum Ahmed, Anamul Haque

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