Asia Cup | Shakib Al Hasan Opts To Bat in Bangladesh’s Must-Win Tie vs Afghanistan
Shakib Al Hasan will lead Bangladesh in a must-win tie vs AFG (X.com)
In a fixture where Bangladesh must win to keep themselves alive in the Asia Cup 2023, skipper Shakib Al Hasan decided to bat first after winning the toss against Afghanistan in Match 4 of the competition, taking place at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Sunday (September 3). This will be Afghanistan's first match in the ongoing edition, and also, their first-ever contest in Pakistan.
Bangladesh had a five-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in their tournament opener at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Hence, the Tigers have to find a way to emerge victorious against Rashid Khan-starred Afghanistan to keep the hopes for the Super Four round of the competition. If they lose this one, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka will gurantee their places in the next round.
As soon as Shakib won the toss, he announced that his team had made up to three changes to their playing XI. Hasan Mahmud replaces Mustafizur Rahman, while Shamim Hossain will make his ODI debut, coming in for Tanzid Hasan. Afif Hossain will be the third change, replacing Mahedi Hasan.
Here's what the captains said after the toss:
Shakib Al Hasan
"We will bat first. It looks like a good wicket and keeping the weather in mind, it is very hot. We have three changes. We didn't execute with the bat and that was our downfall, but today is a new day and a good wicket, hopefully, we put up a good score on the board."
Hashmatullah Shahidi
"We would have batted first as well. Quite excited, we have a lot of crowd and supporters here. The preparation was quite good, we had a series against Pakistan and we have been here for the last week. Two seam all-rounders, one seamer, three spinners and the rest of them are batters."
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Playing XIs
Bangladesh XI vs Afghanistan: Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan(c), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim(wk), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud
Afghanistan XI vs Bangladesh: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
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