Bangladesh is set to begin their ICC World Cup 2023 journey by facing off against South Asian rival Afghanistan today (October 7). The clash between these two teams, both representing Asia, is scheduled to take place at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala at 11 am Bangladesh time. Let’s see what to expect from this Bangladesh vs Afghanistan World Cup match, as per a UNB report.
Preview of BAN vs. AFG ODI in ICC World Cup 2023
In recent years, Bangladesh has emerged as a powerful contender in white-ball cricket, boasting an impressive 47% win rate in 2023 (matches with no result were not counted). Nevertheless, their performance has experienced a slight decline in the past few months.
Table: Bangladesh`s performance in ODI matches in 2023 So far
| Matches | Win | Loss | No Result |
| 20 | 8 | 9 | 3 |
This year, Bangladesh played 20 matches in total and won 8 of them while losing 9 matches. However, three matches came out with no result.
Further, Bangladesh faced elimination in the Super Four stage of the recent Asia Cup and encountered a setback with a 2-0 loss against New Zealand in the lead-up to the current event. Despite these challenges, their victory against India in the Asia Cup highlights that the Tigers should not be underestimated at any point.
Heading to the World Cup 2023, Bangladesh has a tough batting lineup, relying on it to counter the spin-heavy Afghan bowling attack. Key batsmen include Najmul Hossain Shanto, who showcased brilliant form in the Asia Cup 2023, partnering with Litton Das as the opening duo.
Towhid Hridoy has solidified his position as a dependable middle-order batsman, complemented by the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim in the lower order. The team features two outstanding all-rounders, Shakib Al-Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, known for their impactful contributions across all facets of the game.
In the spin department, Mahmudullah is likely to join the ranks. Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed, both in good bowling form, will support Mustafizur Rahman in the bowling department, while Hasan Mahmud might secure a spot as the fourth bowler. The collective strength of this well-rounded squad positions Bangladesh as a challenging force in the upcoming matches.
On the other hand, Afghanistan`s track record in the World Cup has been less than satisfactory, securing victory in only one out of the 15 matches played across their two appearances. In the last edition, they came remarkably close to defeating teams such as India and Pakistan. However, their relative lack of experience on the grand stage led them to surrender to pressure in critical moments.
Nevertheless, the Afghan players bring valuable experience from their participation in T20 leagues worldwide, providing them with a notable advantage. Afghanistan is particularly renowned for its spin-bowling options.
The crucial figure in the team`s bowling lineup is Rashid Khan. With an impressive track record in the IPL and a deep understanding of Indian conditions, Khan is sure to play a crucial role in this match. Supporting him in the spin department are Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
While batting has historically been a vulnerable aspect for Afghanistan, the opening pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz has displayed excellent form in recent months, aiming to provide the team with a robust start. The middle order comprises Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Najibullah Zadran, whose consistency in scoring runs will be essential in this BAN vs AFG World Cup match.
This year, Afghanistan played 11 ODI matches so far and won three of them. Two of the wins came against Bangladesh and one against Sri Lanka.
Table: Afghanistan`s performance in ODI matches in 2023 So far
| Matches | Win | Loss | No Result |
| 11 | 3 | 8 | 0 |
So, regarding experience and performance, the Tigers are ahead of the Afghans.
Bangladesh and Afghanistan stats in ICC ODI World Cups So far
So far, Bangladesh appeared in 7 ICC World Cups, including the 2023 tournament. Among these, the 2007 and 2015 World Cups were quite successful for them. Bangladesh reached Super Eights in 2007 and reached the quarter-finals in 2015. And they were eliminated in the group stage in 1999, 2003, 2011, and 2019.
On the other hand, the Afghans began their World Cup appearance in 2015 and appeared in another one in 2019. In these two World Cups, Afghanistan played 15 matches and won only one game against Scotland in the 2015 World Cup.
Table: Bangladesh and Afghanistan stats in ICC ODI World Cups
| Team | Appearances | Total Matches Played | Wins | Losses | No Result |
| Bangladesh | 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023 | 42 | 14 | 25 | 3 |
| Afghanistan | 2015, 2019, 2023 | 15 | 1 | 14 | 0 |
Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan Head-to-Head ODI Matches So Far
Bangladesh and Afghanistan met in 15 ODI matches, and Bangladesh won 9 matches, while Afghans emerged victorious in 6 matches. However, in the World Cup, Bangladesh faced the Afghans two times and won both of the matches.
Table: BAN vs. AFG Head-to-Head ODI Matches So Far
| Matches | Bangladesh Won | Afghanistan Won | No Result |
| 15 | 9 | 6 | 0 |
Probable Bangladesh XI
Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan (C), Mahmudullah, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Probable Afghanistan XI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen ul Haq.
Bangladeshi Players to Watch
Najmul Hossain Shanto
The Bangladeshi top-order batsman has had an outstanding year, beginning with a memorable Bangladesh Premier League. This year, in 2023, Shanto played 15 matches and scored 698 runs, which could have been increased if he was not injured in the Asia Cup 2023.
Shakib Al Hasan
Appearing in the 2007 World Cup first, Shakib Al Hasan’s World Cup record filled with 1146 runs and 34 wickets from 29 matches. And in 2023, Shakib maintained his impressive performance. In the 16 ODI matches he played this year, he accumulated 549 runs, achieving the highest score of 93 runs and securing five half-centuries. Additionally, he showcased his bowling skill by taking 14 wickets across these 16 matches, with his best bowling figures being 4/35.
Towhid Hridoy
Towhid Hridoy has displayed admirable form in recent matches. In the current year, he participated in 17 matches, scoring a total of 518 runs with an impressive strike rate of 86.33. Hridoy first garnered attention with notable performances, scoring 82 and 54 runs in the 2023 Asia Cup. So, he will surely have some impact on the Afghans.
Afghan Players to Watch
Ibrahim Zadran
The Afghan opener has been the standout batsman for his team in the current year, accumulating 478 runs from 11 innings at an impressive average of 47.8. Teaming up with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, he has established a formidable opening partnership for the Afghan team. So, we might see Zadran’s tremendous performance in the next match.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
He is among the more aggressive batsmen in the Afghan lineup and complements his partner Zadran effectively. His notable strength lies in his attacking approach, showcasing the ability to unleash shots right from the outset, thereby putting opposing bowlers under pressure. This year, he scored 376 runs from 11 matches.
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Farooqi is anticipated to be Afghanistan`s key bowler in the ICC Men`s ODI World Cup 2023. He has stood out as their leading wicket-taker over the last two years, securing 32 wickets from 14 innings while maintaining a bowling average of 27.5.
Final Words
Statistically, Bangladesh has a competitive edge over Afghanistan. However, in recent times, Afghans have been fighting back and getting positive results. Considering the recent and historical performance, Bangladesh has a great chance to win the BAN vs. AFG ICC World Cup 2023 match.
