Asia Cup 2023: PAK vs BAN Preview – Super Four stage begins

After beating Afghanistan in their last match, Bangladesh have earned their qualification for the Super Four of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. In the very first match, the Shakib Al Hasan-led side will challenge Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Notably, the Men in Green are in cracking form, having defeated Nepal in the opening game of the competition before bundling India out for 266 runs in their second game in Pallekele.

Their bowlers have done a commendable job so far as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan have already made a mark. On the other hand, Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed hit a century each in the first game and will be hoping to continue in the same fashion.

When it comes to Bangladesh, both Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Najmul Hussain Shanto hit a century in the last match, while Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful picked four and three wickets, respectively. Thus, they are in good form and a cracking game is expected on Wednesday, September 6.

Pitch Conditions:

The surface at the Gaddafi Stadium is expected to assist the batters and another 300+ game is on the cards. The skipper winning the toss should elect to bowl first.

Venue details: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Last ODI match at the venue: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, 2023, | Result: Sri Lanka won by 2 runs

Probable playing XI for Pakistan vs Bangladesh clash:

Afghanistan

Pakistan are unlikely to make any changes to their squad. Be it their batting or bowling, it looks like a sorted side that can challenge for the title. However, Fakhar Zaman needs to improve in order to cement his position for the ODI World Cup.

Probable XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf

Bangladesh

Litton Das will replace Najmul Hassan Shanto after he has been ruled out of the tournament with an injury, with the former named his replacement.

Probable XI: Mohammad Naim, Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud