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Bangladesh are all set to face Afghanistan in the fourth match of Asia Cup 2023 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday (September 3). The Afghan side will be playing their first game in the continental tournament, while Bangladesh are coming from a defeat at the hands of defending champions Sri Lanka.
Although Najmul Hossain Shanto (89 runs) stood out with the bat for Bangladesh in their previous fixture with Shakib al Hasan (2 wickets) striking with the ball, they failed to pull off a win and suffered a five-wicket defeat in the contest.
With the loss against Sri Lanka, it will now be a must-win game for Bangladesh to stay alive in the Super 4 race, and they will be determined to make a comeback. On the other hand, Afghanistan will be aiming to start their Asia Cup 2023 campaign on a high note with certain experienced campaigners by their side.
ODI stats and records at Gaddafi Stadium:
- Total matches played: 69
- Won batting first: 34
- Won bowling first: 33
- Average first innings score: 251
- Average second innings score: 215
- Highest total: 375/3 (Pakistan)
- Lowest total: 75 all-out (Pakistan)
- Highest run chase: 349/4 (Pakistan)
- Lowest total defended: 170/8 (West Indies)
Also READ: Pakistan secure berth in Super 4 after rain washes out clash against India in Asia Cup 2023
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch report:
The Gaddafi Stadium is a batting paradise for batters as the ball comes nicely onto the bat. Meanwhile, seamers tend to struggle at this venue with not much bounce and lateral movement from the surface. However, they could still trouble the batters by bowling in the right areas. At the same time, spinners might become effective and receive help from the track as the game progresses. The average first innings score at the ground is 251, and the team winning the toss will likely look to bat first. Overall, a thrilling and high-scoring game is expected to take place.
Lahore Weather Report:
The weather at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be sunny and humid, with no signs of rain. The temperature is expected to hover around 37 degrees Celsius with humidity levels to be around 38% and the wind blowing at a speed of 14 km/hr. The spectators can anticipate the match to take place without any interruptions.
BAN vs AFG, Probable XI:
Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Tanzid Hasan, 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, Karim Janat, Mohammad Saleem Safi
