In the Asia Cup 2023, Bangladesh is set to face Afghanistan in a pivotal Group B match, with their tournament hopes hanging in the balance after a lackluster start. Bangladesh’s previous performance saw them falter against Sri Lanka, managing a meager 164 runs when batting first. Their sole savior was Najmul Hossain Shanto, who delivered a resilient 122-ball 89, while the rest of the batting order struggled to make a mark. Shakib Al Hasan, a key figure for Bangladesh, faced a rare off-day, leaving the team yearning for his leadership.
The importance of this match cannot be overstated for Bangladesh, as a loss against Afghanistan could potentially lead to their elimination from the tournament. In the context of the Asia Cup’s format, where a single defeat can be detrimental, Bangladesh must secure a victory to stay in contention.
Despite a recent 0-3 ODI series loss to Pakistan, Afghanistan enters the competition with the memory of a 2-1 ODI series triumph against Bangladesh in June-July. While their subsequent two-match T20 series against Bangladesh ended in defeat, Afghanistan remains a formidable adversary.
The clash will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, commencing at 3:00 PM (IST) following the toss at 2:30 PM. The live broadcast of the match can be enjoyed on the Star Sports Network, while mobile users can stream the game via the Disney+ Hotstar app. For a comprehensive viewing experience on larger screens, fans can subscribe to Disney+ Hotstar.
Match Results – Click here for the match highlights of BAN vs AFG Asia Cup 2023