BAN vs AFG | Gaddafi Stadium Lahore Pitch Report

image-lm1pgxy7Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore [X.com]

The fourth Asia Cup 2023 encounter will see Bangladesh go up against Afghanistan in a highly-anticipated clash at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Led by legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh had a torrid start to the tournament, incurring a five-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in the second group-stage fixture. Meanwhile, this will be Afghanistan's maiden outing in the showpiece event. 

As both teams gear up for a cracking battle, let's see how Lahore's surface is expected to play in this game. 


Gaddafi Stadium Lahore Pitch Report

The surface at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has traditionally favoured the batters, with its even pace and bounce assisting in stroke play. It will be a hard surface with plenty of runs on offer. Statistically, the batters score almost 34 runs at a reasonably good rate of 5.28 per dismissal at the venue. However, being a typical subcontinental track, it will offer some turn to the spinners, particularly in the latter half of the game. 

Also, the deck in Lahore offers subtle seam movement under the lights. So, we reckon batting will be easier in the afternoon than in the evening. The track record also justifies the theory, as the teams batting first have won more games (32) than the chasing sides (30). Therefore, unless an extremely flat surface is dished out, we don't think the toss-winning side will opt to chase in this match.