Asia Cup 2023 | BAN vs AFG Match 4 - Cricket Fantasy Teams After Toss

Afghanistan recently played an ODI series vs Pakistan (AP Photos)

Bangladesh and Afghanistan will go head-to-head on Sunday (September 3) in Match 4 of the Asia Cup 2023 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. This will be a crucial fixture for Shakib Al Hasan and his boys, as a defeat will guarantee their elimination from the tournament. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will play for the first time in this competition.

Let's look at who can alter the game depending on the situation since both teams appear to be similarly strong on paper and the contest is expected to be the most important one thus far in the tournament.

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BAN vs AFG, Match 4 - Cricket Fantasy Teams

The toss, as we all know, plays significant role in match results, especially when playing in subcontinental conditions. Therefore, based on which team chooses to bat first, we will offer two separate fantasy XIs.

Scenario 1: If Bangladesh bat first

Fantasy's rule of thumb. Choose as many players as you can in your eleven-member squad whoever comes into action first. Mohammad Naim looked solid for Bangladesh in their most-recent contest against Sri Lanka until he fell for a 23-ball 16. In addition, Najmul Hossain Shanto is a must-pick among Bangladesh batters, given his valiant efforts with the willow (89 off 122 balls) against the defending champions. These are the two designated batters who can be relied from the Tigers.

Among the all-rounders, Shakib Al Hasan is the most popular captain choice, and rightly so. In a contest where Bangladesh failed miserably, Shakib came to bat at No. 4, and bowled ten solid overs. Although he failed with the bat, his performance with the bat was commendable.

From Afghanistan, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Fazalhaq Farooqi are the no-brainers, while Gulbadin Naib and Rahmnaullah Gurbaz, considering their impressive performances against Pakistan recently in the ODIs, should make the cut in your fantasy XI.

Scenario 2: If Afghanistan bat first

If this becomes the case, you have to rely on more Afghanistan top-order batters. Rahmat Shah is one man who should come straight into your XI, replacing Mohammad Naim. Along with him, Najibullah Zadran can also be an interesting choice, as his limited percentage of owners can yield you with rich dividends.

As Nabi has the opportunity to bat first, and then bowl, the veteran all-rounder can emerge as the vice-captain choice. However, Shakib should remain as your leader, considering there is no such player in either squad who can make more all-round contributions than him in 50-over format. In addition, this is Bangladesh's do-or-die game, and Shakib knows how to perform in mega events.

Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh's death-over specialist, is another name who should be picked. The left-arm quick tends to pick wickets at the final overs, and considering Afghanistan batting first, the high chances will be for them to go all guns blazing in the end. It will simultaneously increase Mustafizur to pick up more wickets. In this case, Farooqi will make a room for him.

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