Mark your calendars for a riveting clash on September 3, 2023, as Bangladesh and Afghanistan prepare to engage in a high-stakes battle at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The BAN vs AFG match time is 3:00 PM IST.
For Bangladesh, ODI cricket has long been a domain of strength, especially when played in subcontinental conditions. However, their recent stumble against a depleted Sri Lankan side in their opening match of the tournament has set off alarm bells.
In the unforgiving format of the Asia Cup, where a single loss can push a team to the edge of elimination, Bangladesh finds itself in an alarming situation. The fear of an early exit looms large on the Bangladesh squad, casting a shadow over their preparations for the impending World Cup next month.
The foremost concern hanging at Bangladesh’s camp is their batting. In the previous encounter, Sri Lanka’s spinners effectively dismantled their top order, before Matheesha Pathirana seized control in the latter stages of the match.
The ominous Lahore pitch, known for offering challenges to batsmen in recent international contests, may not provide much respite either. To compound their worries, Bangladesh is set to confront a formidable spin threat, further complicating their task.
Nevertheless, Bangladesh can draw some comfort from their recent track record against Afghanistan. When these two sides last clashed on home soil in July, Bangladesh emerged victorious in all three encounters.
Yet, it’s essential to note that Afghanistan managed to win the ODI series, showcasing the remarkable progress they’ve made on the international stage. Few teams can boast of toppling Bangladesh in their own backyard.
Afghanistan enters this contest brimming with the potential to reverse its fortunes. A victory here would not only rejuvenate their confidence but also guarantee them a berth in the next stage of the Asia Cup, which is Super 4.
As the clock ticks closer to this BAN vs AFG encounter, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Bangladesh, it’s a quest for redemption and survival in a cutthroat tournament. For Afghanistan, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm their rising stature in world cricket.
Asia Cup 2023: BAN vs AFG Predicted Playing XI
Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Tanzid Hasan/Anamul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Gulbadin Naib/Karim Janat, Mohammad Saleem Safi
Asia Cup 2023: BAN vs AFG Full 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
