World Cup 2023 | PAK vs BAN, Match 31 - Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks

image-locv6wtoLitton Das will be a key pick for the fantasy contests of the match (Source: AP Photos)

Two struggling Asian sides Pakistan (PAK) and Bangladesh (BAN) square off against each other in the ongoing sixteenth edition of the World Cup. The 31st match is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at the iconic Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata at 14:00 PM IST. Both teams have played six games each with the Men in Green losing four of those while the Bangla Tigers have already lost five encounters. Before this fixture goes live, here is a look at the top captain and vice-captain choices for the fantasy contests of the match.

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PAK vs BAN, 31st Match: Venue Analysis

The surface at Eden Gardens is a balanced one while the batters have scored easily thanks to the ground's shorter dimensions. Seamers may have their say as the new ball tends to gain some movement. 

Eden Gardens Stadium ODI Records

Matches: 32
Matches Won Batting First: 19
Matches Won Batting Second: 12
No Result: 1

Average First Innings Total: 235
Average Second Innings Total: 209

World Cup 2023 Record

Match: 1
Match Won Batting First: 1
Match Won Batting Second: 0

Average First Innings Total: 229
Average Second Innings Total: 142
Highest Total Recorded: 229/10 by Netherlands vs Bangladesh
Lowest Total Recorded: 142/10 by Bangladesh vs Netherlands


PAK vs BAN, 31st Match - Toss Factor

Sides batting first have managed to win more matches than the chasing teams in the 32 ODIs played at the venue. Even the Netherlands defeated the Bangla Tigers by 87 runs in the only game played in this WC in Kolkata.

Scenario: If Pakistan Fields First

Despite Pakistan's poor showing, speedster Shaheen Afridi and wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan have been the top performers so far for their side. The left arm pacer has picked up 13 wickets and will look to provide breakthroughs again. Rizwan again holds the key if Pakistan is chasing a competitive and big target.

Scenario: If Bangladesh Fields First

 Veteran Mahmudullah is the leading run-getter for the Bangla Tigers so far in this WC. The right-handed batter along with experienced canpaigner Mushfiqur Rahim will be key as the duo would hope to guide their side home in a big run-chase against quality Pakistan bowling line-up.


PAK vs BAN, 31st Match - Top Captain and Vice-captain choices

Scenario: If Bangladesh Fields First

Mushfiqur Rahim (BAN)

Wicketkeeper batter Mushfiqur Rahim is averaging 33.20 so far in this campaign. The right-handed middle-order player has struck two half-centuries with the highest score of 66.  After two low scores in the last two games, Rahim will like to get back amongst the runs quickly. He has scores of 2*, 51, 66, 38, 8 and 1 under his belt.

Mahmudullah (BAN)

Mahmudullah has struck the most centuries (three) for Bangladesh in the history of ODI World Cups. As mentioned above, he has racked up the most runs (218) so far for his side in this WC. With an average of 73, he has performed in each match with scores of 41*, 46, 111 and 20. 


Scenario: If Pakistan Fields First

Mohammad Rizwan (PAK)

Mohammad Rizwan has amassed the most runs for his side in this campaign. The 31-year old has struck 333 runs in six innings at an average of 67 with one century and one half-century. After scores of 8 and 31 in the last two games, Rizwan is due for a big knock in this fixture.

Babar Azam (PAK)

Skipper Babar Azam has now scored three half-centuries in the last four matches in this tournament. With scores of 50, 18, 74 and 50, the no. three right-handed batter has looked to get back in his rhythm. The Pakistan captain is a good pick for this category against an out-of-form Bangladeshi side.


PAK vs BAN, 31st Match - Big Risk, Big Return Choices

Imam-ul-Haq (PAK)

Left-handed opening batter Imam-ul-Haq is averaging just 27.00 with one half-century. He has struck 162 runs in six innings with the highest score of 70. Imam may finally hit form so he is a risky but worthy pick for this fixture.

Litton Das (BAN)

Opening player Litton Das has amassed 180 runs in six innings at an average of 30.00. The right-handed batter has just one half-century (76) to his name so far. Das may look to add more to his tally by getting a significant score under his belt.