BAN vs AFG: Bangladesh Playing XI vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2023, Group B - Predicted 

Bangladesh will face Afghanistan in the 4th match of Asia Cup 2023 on September 3 (Sunday).

Asia Cup 2023 is spicing up. It was a brilliant game between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on Thursday. Now it is time for an IND-PAK match on Saturday. But after that game, there will be another aging rivalry between Bangladesh and Afghanistan. This match will take place on Sunday, September 3, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Bangladesh lost their opening match against Sri Lanka and are left in a must-win situation. If they lose the game on Sunday, they will be eliminated. Hence, we expect a big performance from Shakib Al Hasan and his team. They have a better track record against Afghanistan, and they will be pretty confident going into the game. So let's talk about the predicted XI for Bangladesh in the game against Afghanistan on Sunday.

BAN vs AFG: Bangladesh's Predicted Playing XI vs Afghanistan

1. Mohammad Naim:

In the absence of Litton Das, all the onus at the top is on Mohammad Naim. The left-hander looked rusty in the opening game against Sri Lanka and scored a 23-balls 16. But Bangladesh will hope he does well in the next match. He is a free-flowing cricketer and can takes the game away if he gets set. A lot will depend on how he bats at the top.

2. Anamul Haque:

After Tanzid Hasan got out for a two-balls duck on his debut in the last match against Sri Lanka, we might see Anamul Haque take his place in the playing XI. He is an experienced player and replaced Litton Das in the squad. Anamul has played 44 ODIs and scored 1254 runs at a decent average of 30.59, with three centuries and five half-centuries.

3. Najmul Hossain Shanto:

Najmul Hossain Shanto was the top scorer in the low-scoring match from both sides. He was the lone survivor for Bangladesh and made a hard-fought 89 off 122. It was his innings that somehow took Bangladesh to the 164-runs mark. He held the innings together when other batters were struggling. The team will expect the same performance from him on Sunday.

4. Shakib Al Hasan (c):

The No. 4 spot is occupied by the best player from Bangladesh and their captain, Shakib Al Hasan. The all-rounder was unlucky and got out to on a sharp catch by Kusal Mendis, which brought down Bangladesh's innings. But one can expect him to fire for his team in the must-win contest. In 13 games against Afghanistan, he has scored 367 runs and taken 27 wickets as well.

5. Towhid Hridoy:

Towhid Hridoy is a key player for Bangladesh in the middle-order. He is also in great form, as he showed during the LPL 2023. He looked good for his 20 against Sri Lanka but got out at the wrong time. In three matches against Afghanistan, he has scored 89 runs at an average of 44.00, and his team will expect him to carry on the form on Sunday as well.

6. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk):

After Shakib, veteran keeper Mushfiqur Rahim is the backbone of the batting lineup for the team. He was unable to score in the last match, but when the situation is tough, the team can expect some good performances from their senior pro. Mushfiqur is a very important member, and if Bangladesh wants to win, he is the man in the middle-order. Against Afghanistan, he has played 13 games and scored 432 runs at 36.

7. Mehidy Hasan Miraz:

Mehidy Hasan Miraz is as important to the team as any other member. Because of his all-around skills and finishing ability, he is a valuable asset to the team. The all-rounder is capable of scoring at a quick pace when it is required and can play both spin and pace pretty well. He has played nine games against Afghanistan and scored 126 runs and taken eight wickets with the ball.

8. Mahedi Hasan:

Mahedi Hasan is another spin-bowling all-rounder who has done well for his country in the shorter format. But he has yet to prove himself in ODI cricket. However, he has match-winning ability, which is why he is part of the team. He bowled his ten overs against Sri Lanka for just 1/35 and has a knack for picking up wickets.

9. Taskin Ahmed:

Taskin Ahmed is the first-choice pacer in the team and is always up for a challenge. He has been doing well for his team in the last year or so and has been a consistent performer. Taskin bowled pretty well in the last game as well. He has played nine ODIs against Afghanistan and taken 15 wickets so far.

10. Shoriful Islam:

Shoriful Islam is another emerging left-arm pacer for Bangladesh. He dismissed the dangerous Pathum Nissanka in the last match. Shoriful has had a great start to his international career and is a good new ball bowler. He has picked up seven wickets in four ODIs against Afghanistan and is expected to deliver on Sunday.

11. Mustafizur Rahman:

Mustafizur Rahman is the best wicket-taking option that Bangladesh have. The left-arm pacer is vastly experienced and has won many games for his country. In seven games against Afghanistan, he has dismissed ten batters. His yorkers and change-ups make him a difficult bowler to face. His spell will be pretty important for Bangladesh because they have an in-form opening combination.