Asia Cup 2023: Match 4, Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between BAN vs AFG?

Bangladesh will have to win their last Group B fixture against Afghanistan on Sunday, September 3, in Lahore, to keep their chances of reaching the Super Four alive. The Tigers had a disappointing start to their Asia Cup 2023 campaign as they lost to Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Thursday.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 164 as no batter except Nazmul Hossain Shanto managed to convert a start into a substantial score. Shanto’s 89 off 122 balls was overshadowed by a four-for from Matheesha Pathirana. Captain Shakib Al Hasan tried his best to make the below-par score look big for the home side by making good use of his bowling resources. However, Dasun Shanaka’s men eventually managed to win by five wickets with 11 overs to spare.

Afghanistan are coming into the Asia Cup 2023 on the back of a 0-3 whitewash against Pakistan in Sri Lanka. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s men were outplayed in the series’ first and third games. However, they gave Pakistan a good run for their money in the second encounter in Hambantota, eventually losing by one wicket with one ball to spare. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran registered a 227-run opening partnership in this encounter and they will be key to Afghanistan’s chances against Bangladesh.

BAN vs AFG Match Details:

Match: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Match 4, Asia Cup 2023

Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Date & Time: Sunday, September 3, 03:00 PM IST

Live Streaming Details: Star Sports Network, Disney+Hotstar app and website

BAN vs AFG Pitch Report:

The average first-innings score in ODIs in Lahore is 252. This is going to be the first game that is going to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in this edition of the Asia Cup. The pitches were quite flat during this year’s Pakistan Super League, as batters had a great time. More of the same is expected on Sunday. The team winning the toss could opt to bat first and look to put a daunting score on the board.

BAN vs AFG Head-to-Head Record:

Matches
Bangladesh
Afghanistan
No Result

14
8
6
–

 Probable Playing XI

BAN vs AFG

Bangladesh (BAN):

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 (AFG): 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Gulbadin Naib, Riaz Hassan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman

Probable Best Performers:

Probable Best Batter-

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan):

The wicketkeeper-batter has been in scintillating form this year, not only in international cricket but also in franchise leagues around the world. Gurbaz has played nine games in 2023, and he has scored 371 runs at an average of 41.22. He has also scored two centuries this year. If he can get his team off to a good start alongside in-form partner Ibrahim Zadran, it will bode well for Shahidi and Co.

Probable Best Bowler-

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh):

Shakib Al Hasan bowled really well against Sri Lanka in their first game. He is a clever bowler and could ask some difficult questions to the Afghan batters. In 10 overs, he conceded just 29 runs and picked up the wickets of Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva. The left-arm spinner will be crucial in the middle overs for Bangladesh.

                         Today’s Match Prediction: Bangladesh to win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.