Asia Cup, BAN vs AFG | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Bangladesh will face Afghanistan on Sunday [X.com]

On Sunday, Bangladesh will cross swords against Afghanistan in the fourth group-stage fixture of the Asia Cup 2023. The high-voltage clash, set to be played at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, is a must-win game for Bangladesh, as they lost their first game against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. On the other hand, this will be Afghanistan's maiden outing in the Asia Cup and they will be desperate to get off to a winning start. 

BAN vs AFG: Team Previews

Bangladesh

Led by Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh had a disastrous start to the Asia Cup 2023, losing to Sri Lanka by a comprehensive five-wicket margin. They felt the absence of Litton Das, as their batting unit crumbled against the rampant Lankan bowling attack, with Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana rattling them, sharing six wickets among themselves. 

In-form opener Najmul Hossain Shanto was the biggest positive for the Tigers, composing a fighting 89-run knock. So, moving on to this match, Bangladesh's batters, particularly Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy and Mushfiqur Rahim, would like to bring their A-game in this fixture. 

However, the Tigers' bowling unit put up a spirited performance against the Lankans, giving the co-hosts a run for their money. Skipper Shakib led from the front with the ball, scalping two crucial wickets through his wily spin variations. However, given the target was small, Sri Lanka chased the total with five wickets and eleven overs to spare. 

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BAN vs AFG | Gaddafi Stadium Lahore Pitch Report

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Afghanistan

On the other hand, Afghanistan are coming off a demoralising series defeat against Pakistan on the Lankan shores. However, their Asia Cup squad looks much more settled, with ace batters Rahmat Shah and Najibullah Zadran rejoining the setup after a brief injury layoff. 

So, on paper, Afghanistan's batting lineup looks formidable, studded with dynamic stroke players like Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Najibullah Zadran alongside the dependable duo of Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi. 

Furthermore, their spin department is Afghanistan's biggest strength, as they have three top quality tweakers- Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi. On the contrary, the Afghan pace attack lacks quality, with Fazalhaq Farooqi being a solitary threat to the Bangladeshi batting unit. 

BAN vs AFG: Match Details & Live Streaming

BAN vs AFG: Gaddafi Stadium Lahore Pitch Report

The surface at Lahore will be flat, assisting the batters throughout the game. However, a hint of turn will be available for the spinners, especially in the second half. So, considering the track record, the toss-winning side will likely bat first. 

BAN vs AFG: Probable Playing 11

Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Anamul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Mahedi Hasan/Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Shorfiul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman

Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman

BAN vs AFG: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

BAN vs AFG: Winner Prediction

Bangladesh have struggled with their form and given they will miss a few key players, we reckon Afghanistan will start as favourites to win this contest. 

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