ISLAMABAD: Today, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first against Afghanistan in the 4th match of the 2023 Asia Cup at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Bangladesh made 334-5 in 50 overs.
Bangladesh amassed a total of 334-5 in their allotted 50 overs, with notable contributions from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored 112 before retiring hurt, Najmul Hossain Shanto, who notched up 104, and Shakib Al Hasan, who remained unbeaten with 32 runs. Bowling figures for Afghanistan included Gulbadin Naib with 1-58 and Mujeeb Ur Rahman with 1-62.
After the toss, Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi stated that if they had won the toss, they would have batted first as well. He further added that he thought the recent series against Pakistan (hosted by Sri Lanka) would serve them well.
He noted that, given the scorching heat and the quality of the pitch, he prefers to bat first and put on a good total. The match is expected to be a tough one between the two sides, as Afghanistan has beaten Bangladesh in three of the last five meetings.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan said: “We’ve made three changes, which we’ll have for you in a bit.”
He added that along with the searing heat and the nature of the wicket, he wants to bat first and put on a good total.
Playing XIs
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (cap), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shamim Hossain Patwary, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam.
