BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI: Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

Debashis Sarangi

Sharjah Cricket Stadium [Source: @ACBofficials/X]Sharjah Cricket Stadium [Source: @ACBofficials/X]

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On Saturday, Bangladesh will lock horns with Afghanistan in the second One-Day International of the ongoing three-match series in the United Arab Emirates. The high-octane clash will take place at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. 

Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh had a horrendous start to the ODI series, losing the opening game by a massive margin of 92 runs. The Tigers put up a spirited effort with the ball, restricting Afghanistan to a modest 235-run total, riding on clinical bowling spells from Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman. However, their batting department let them down in the match, with Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar running through their lineup with a sensational six-wicket haul. 

So, as Bangladesh eye redemption in this must-win encounter, let's see how the surface at Sharjah Cricket Stadium will behave throughout the contest. 

Sharjah Cricket Stadium Stats And Records In ODIs

Criterion
Data
Matches Played253
Matches won batting first134
Matches won batting second117
Average 1st innings score in last 5 games211
Average 2nd innings score in last 5 games135
Average Runs Per Over4.59

Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report: Batters Or Bowlers, Who Will Be More Successful?

The surface at Sharjah Cricket Stadium won't likely offer seam movement to the fast bowlers across both innings. There will be a hint of swing for the pacers, but the batters can score runs once they play out the new ball spell. 

However, the spinners will play a pivotal role at this venue, with the pitch offering them significant turn. The wicket will get dried up with the game's progression, assisting the spinners more in the second half. Traditionally, batting becomes difficult as the match goes on at this venue. So, it's a no-brainer for the toss-winning team to bat first. 

Players To Watch Out For At Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar

  • Afghanistan's latest spin sensation Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar had a memorable outing in the first ODI in Sharjah. He scalped six wickets in the game and will be a key player for his side in this match. 

Mustafizur Rahman

  • The experienced left-arm pacer outfoxed the Afghan batters with his wily variations in the first ODI. Mustafizur cleverly varies his pace and could be a threat to the hosts' batting unit. 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz

  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz has impressive numbers at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, amassing 371 runs, including two centuries, at a superb average of 61.83 in six ODI innings at this venue. Although he got out cheaply last time, this game gives him a golden opportunity to redeem himself with an impactful knock.