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In a much-anticipated clash, Bangladesh are all set to kick off their ICC World Cup 2023 campaign against their fellow Asian rivals, Afghanistan, on Saturday, October 7. The stage for this exciting showdown in the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting this battle between two rapidly ascending cricketing nations.
While Bangladesh may hold a statistical advantage in the ODI format against Afghanistan, recent times have witnessed Afghanistan’s resurgence, with their team notching up some impressive victories. Both sides boast formidable talent, eager to shine on the grandest stage of cricket. One key factor to watch will be how Afghanistan, with previous experience playing in the northern part of India, approaches this crucial encounter.
Bangladesh have been a force to reckon with in the ODI format, having defeated cricketing giants like India, England, and Australia in bilateral series. Although the geographical conditions may not differ significantly, it’s worth noting that this marks the Tigers’ first ODI match in India in 16 years.
For Bangladesh, Najmul Hossain Shanto has emerged as their standout batter over the past year, amassing 719 runs from 16 innings at an impressive average of 44. Mushfiqur Rahim is another vital contributor, having accumulated 632 runs from 18 innings, boasting an average of 39. Taskin Ahmed is expected to lead the bowling attack, having been their top wicket-taker over the past year with 23 scalps from 11 innings, maintaining an impressive bowling average of 19.
On the Afghan side, Ibrahim Zadran has been the standout batsman in the past year, notching up 756 runs from 14 innings at a stellar average of 58. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has also made a significant contribution with 502 runs from 14 innings, sporting an average of 35. Fazalhaq Farooqi is poised to be Afghanistan’s premier bowler in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, having claimed 19 wickets from 14 innings with a bowling average of 31.
